James Reynolds hired as new Pickens Head Football Coach
PICKENS — The School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees has approved the selection of James Reynolds as Pickens High School’s new Head Varsity Football Coach.
District officials said Reynolds joins Pickens High from a field of 64 applicants with a resume that includes a combination of teaching and coaching experiences as the foundation for his success-driven athletics programming, which emphasizes character-oriented leadership for the students he has served in the classroom and on the field.
Reynolds graduated from Hammond School in Columbia, S.C., and earned his Bachelor’s degree in English from The Citadel, where he lettered in football playing cornerback, wide receiver, and special teams. He also ran and was a long jumper for The Citadel Track and Field Team.
“In the 24 years I have been associated with athletics, I have never come across a coach that has been more dedicated to his team and players as James Reynolds,” said Ken Kellahan, former Citadel Wide Receivers Coach, Williamsburg AD/Head Coach An overachiever as a student-athlete at The Citadel. “This man does not know the meaning of the phrase ‘I can’t do it.’ The energy he brings to every task he is assigned is infectious and his students and players feed off of him. His ability to inspire and motivate young people is second to none, whether it be the classroom, weight room, or playing fields.”
With four years of experience as a head football coach, along with seven years as a head track and field coach, officials said Reynolds brings a great deal of knowledge and experience with him from serving in coaching roles in multiple positions.
Most recently, he has served as Assistant Head Football Coach, Assistant Athletic Director, and Social Studies teacher at River Bluff High School in Lexington, S.C.
Prior to taking the position at River Bluff, Coach Reynolds was the Defensive Coordinator for Irmo High in 20-21 where the team recorded three defensive shutouts in eight regular season games and advanced to the third round of the 4A Playoffs. He served as Head Varsity Football Coach, Football Program Director, English teacher, and P.E./weight training teacher at Ben Lippen School in Columbia where his teams made three consecutive playoff appearances with the 2019 and 2020 teams both finishing third overall in the state.
Prior to taking the position at Ben Lippen, Coach Reynolds served as Defensive Coordinator, Asst. Head Coach, and English teacher at Westwood High School in Blythewood, S.C.
“Coach Reynolds has a high level of energy and drive, and a strong ethical fiber that aligns with our vision for the program,” said Principal Jeff Duncan. “He will be the kind of leader and mentor that will help our student-athletes thrive. We are excited for the next chapter of Pickens football under Coach Reynolds.”
“I’m extremely excited to begin my journey as a Blue Flame,” Reynolds said. “It has been a lifelong dream to lead a football program at a school that shares the same vision for success: community involvement, high academic standards, and athletic performance. I know how much pride Pickens has in their football history. On the field, I look forward to building a football program that promotes lifelong relationships. Through hard work, we will overcome adversity by establishing and maintaining a standard of excellence in all that we do as a team. Our dedication, positivity, and commitment to each other will create a culture that breeds success. I truly feel it is our time.”
Reynolds and his wife Kelsey have three children – Julia (13), Luke (10), and Margaret (5). Kelsey is also in the field of education and currently teaches 1st Grade.
He will assume his duties in mid-February.
Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.