Harrison Central High Welcomes New Head Baseball Coach

(May 9, 2025) – Today, Harrison Central High proudly announced the hiring of Jeffrey Kovacevich II as the school’s new Head Baseball Coach, bringing with him over 15 years of coaching experience at multiple competitive levels. Harrison Central High and the Harrison County School District held a news conference this afternoon to officially introduce Coach Kovacevich to the community. 
 
“We are excited to welcome Coach Kovacevich to Harrison Central High School, where he will be joining our faculty and athletic department with a rich background in both education and coaching,” said Harrison Central High Principal Rachel Burt. “We are confident that his dedication and experience will positively impact our students, school community, and athletic programs.” 
 
A native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Coach Kovacevich graduated from D’Iberville High School and earned his Associate of Arts degree from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He later obtained his Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in General Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is currently completing his Master’s in Education at William Carey University. Coach Kovacevich holds certification from the Mississippi Department of Education in both Social Studies and Mathematics.
 
During his 15-year career in education, Coach Kovacevich has taught subjects such as Geometry, Algebra I & II, Pre-Algebra, Mississippi Studies, and SREB Math across multiple school districts in Mississippi and Florida. He has also worked as a graduation facilitator, helping students stay on track to earn their diplomas and pursue college and career goals.
 
In addition to his classroom experience, Mr. Kovacevich is a seasoned baseball coach with a demonstrated history of building competitive, student-centered programs. His coaching career spans several high schools and summer leagues, including notable positions at St. Patrick Catholic High School, Ocean Springs High School, Long Beach High School, Cypress Creek High School (FL), and Stone High School. He has served as a head coach, associate head coach, infield coordinator, and hitting/pitching coach. Under his leadership, teams have earned multiple district championships and postseason appearances. While at Cypress Creek High School, he led the team to a 2016 9A District Championship and a regional playoff appearance and was named the 2018 Florida Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year for 9A District 11.
 
Coach Kovacevich has also coached in the New York Collegiate Baseball League as Associate Head Coach of the Syracuse Spartans, guiding the team to a conference championship in its inaugural season. He is a member of both the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC).
 
Known for his passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field, Coach Kovacevich has mentored numerous players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. His commitment to excellence, student growth, and character development makes him a valuable addition to the Red Rebel family.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Kovacevich to the Red Rebels family,” said Kevin Roberts, HCSD Director of Athletics. “His experience, passion for teaching, and commitment to building strong young men make him a great fit for the tradition of excellence that defines Harrison Central Baseball. We look forward to seeing his teams on the diamond.”

Please help us congratulate Coach Kovacevich and welcome him to the HCSD family!
 
Hear from the new coach in this WXXV story: Harrison Central Baseball begins new era under Head Coach Jeffrey Kovacevich! - WXXV News 25.