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Every time a Jackson Academy athlete pulls on a jersey, laces up a pair of cleats, or steps onto a field of competition, they carry a name with them. Raiders. It is a name that has defined this school’s athletic identity for more than five decades, but for many students, the story behind it has remained largely unknown. Chuck Box, in his first year as head baseball coach at Jackson Academy, intends to change that.
The Brickyard was packed Tuesday night as the JA Athletic Booster Club hosted “Meet the Raiders,” the annual tradition that officially kicks off the Jackson Academy athletic year. Fans of all ages came out to meet their favorite players, collect autographs, and grab posters before settling in for a family-style pep rally featuring the band, spirit squads, and the introduction of every 2026–2027 athletic team. It was a great night to be a Raider.
Join us tonight, August 18, at 6 p.m. in The Brickyard (JA’s football stadium) for Meet the Raiders hosted by the JA Athletic Booster Club. Meet the Raiders is an annual family event kicking off the new Jackson Academy school year and athletic seasons. Don’t miss this exciting opening event where sports and spirit teams are introduced.
Jackson Academy welcomes three new head coaches for the 2026-27 school year: Head Baseball Coach and Associate Athletic Director Chuck Box, Head Fast Pitch Softball Coach Chad Hodges, and Head Girls Golf Coach Tyler Freeman.
Jackson Academy’s Lady Raider soccer program added another chapter to its storied history, defeating Madison-Ridgeland Academy 2-0 in the MAIS DI State Championship to claim the program’s seventh all-time state title.
Jackson Academy senior shortstop Justin Word has been named a 2026 Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection for baseball, joining one of the most recognized groups in Mississippi high school sports.
Raider Park has hosted countless memorable moments throughout the years — walk-off hits, championships won, Run with the Raiders, Color Me Raider. But on Saturday, April 4, the familiar athletic facility takes on a new kind of magic. Presented by the Jackson Academy Athletic Booster Club, the inaugural Party at the Park is a full-day community event that opens the gates to students, families, alumni, and fans of all ages for a celebration of good food and a shared love of the game. Admission is free.
It was a historic week for JA basketball as both the Raiders and Lady Raiders advanced to the Final Four of the MAIS Overall Basketball Tournament at Mississippi College, bringing plenty of Raider pride to Clinton.
Jackson Academy’s boys and girls basketball programs have both punched their tickets to the MAIS Overall Basketball Tournament, with the boys claiming the 4A Division II State Title and the girls advancing to the 4A Division II championship game. Both teams will now compete against the top programs of every classification from across the MAIS at Mississippi College in Clinton for the overall championship title.
The Jackson Academy football team received special recognition at the Mississippi State Capitol during a Senate Floor Presentation. Senator Lydia Chassaniol, grandmother of wide receiver Vaiden Taylor, presented the Raiders with a resolution commemorating their 2025 MAIS 4A-DI state championship victory, honoring the team’s accomplishment in front of the Mississippi Senate.