by Hunter Dawkins, Owner/Publisher – editor@thegazebogazette.com or hdawkins@supertalk.fm
MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST (GG) — After the departure of Athletic Director Matt Walters in February, Gulfport High School looked to fill the position as head of the athletic department. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Gulfport School Board of Trustees officially hired Pass Christian’s Athletic Director/Head Baseball Coach Ricky Smith to fill this position for the 2026-27 school year.
“I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Gulfport School District and I appreciate the leadership of Gulfport for entrusting me to lead this successful athletic department,” said Smith to The Gazebo Gazette Tuesday afternoon. “Additionally, I want to thank the Pass Christian School District for a wonderful 8 years.”
Smith has served as the Head Baseball Coach at Pass Christian for the last 8 years while adhering to the Athletic Director 5 years ago. This was Smith’s first administrative position.
Originally from Lucedale, Smith is a 2000 alum of George County and has been the head baseball coach for 14 years, 8 being at Pass High and 6 for Bay High. Smith directed Pass Christian to the second round of the Class 4A South State playoffs for the past five straight seasons. Before his head coaching experience in Bay St. Louis, Smith coached at a few other South Mississippi schools as an assistant.
Smith expressed that he has no plans on coaching any sport at Gulfport, just to lead the Athletic Department. He is the 3rd Athletic Director for Gulfport High School in the last 5 years with former legendary basketball Coach Bryan Caldwell retiring after 10 years of service, then being replaced by Walters three years ago.
(Photo from the Pass Christian Public School District)
