New Albany Sports, New Albany, MS

John Walker

Head Coach, Baseball

John Walker, a Water Valley native, began his coaching career in his hometown in 2003. After serving as assistant varsity baseball coach in 2003, Walker was named interim head coach in 2004. That season, the Blue Devils claimed a region runner-up finish and entered the MHSAA playoffs for the first time since 1997. He returned to the assistant role in 2005 and Water Valley won the first of three consecutive region titles (2005-2007). The 2005 championship was the school's first baseball title since 1979. In 2006, the Blue Devils completed a 31-9 season that included a North-State Championship and a State Runner-up finish. The 2007 team recorded an undefeated division record in route to the region championship. While at Water Valley, Walker also served on the football and basketball staffs.

Walker returned to his alma mater, Delta State, in the fall of 2007. He served as a Graduate Assistant during the 2008 season, coaching the Statesmen outfielders and hitters. After completing degree requirements in 2008, Walker remained on staff as assistant coach through the 2009 season. While at Delta State, Walker helped guide the Statesmen to a 48-11 record in 2008 and 38-16 in 2009. The 2008 team won the Gulf South Conference Championship and earned a runner-up finish in the NCAA South Central Regional. The Statesmen were ranked as the #1 team in the nation during both seasons.

Walker has also served as the head coach of the District 2 high school team at the State Games of Mississippi. In the summer of 2009, Walker coached the North Delta Dealers to the BNA Bank/Cotton States Baseball League Championship. He is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association and the Mississippi Association of Coaches.

Walker is single and resides in New Albany.

Larry Ashmore
Head Middle School Baseball Coach, Assistant Football Coach

Coach Ashmore is a 1971 graduate of W.P. Daniel High School in New Albany. He received his B. S. in Education from the University of Mississippi.

Coach Ashmore is starting his 10th year in the New Albany School District. He has served the district as teacher and coached various sports at the Middle School and High School levels. He is currently teaching Middle School Social Studies and is head Middle School baseball and Assistant football coach.

Coach Ashmore is married to the former Linda Russell of New Albany. They have two children. One son John Ashmore, married to Brandi now living in Oxford, MS and a daughter Angela who is a junior at the University of Mississippi.

Chris Cox, Assistant Coach, Baseball
Coach Cox hails from Itawamba County where he graduated from Itawamba AHS. From there, he further his education at ICC and Ole Miss where he received a degree in Mathematics Education. Chris is married to Jill Cox who teaches at Pontotoc Middle School. He is the son of Joey and Pattie Cox and has one brother, Mat.

Chris teaches Geometry and Algebra 2.

Buddy Hall, Assistant Coach

Coach Hall is a 1980 graduate of Booneville High School. He received his B.S. in Education from Mississippi State University and his M.A. in Ed. Leadership from the University of Mississippi.

He has 21 years experience in education. He began his career at New Albany High School. During his 12 years at NAHS, he served as a teacher, an assistant and head coach in both football and baseball, and head golf coach. He also served as the high school Athletic Director, Alternative School Director, and Asst. High School Principal.

Coach Hall left New Albany Schools in 1998 and spent four years in the Union County Schools were he served as an assistant principal and principal. In 2001 he went to work for the Prentiss County Schools serving as Alternative School Director, District Transportation Supervisor, and Principal.

He returned to the New Albany Schools this past year where is currently serving as the NAMS Head Football, assistant baseball, and boys' track coach.

He teaches special education mathematics and is a co-sponsor of FCA at New Albany Middle School.

Coach Hall is married to the former Tracy Mayo of New Albany. They have two children, Easton (14) and Elleigh (11). Th y attend Hillcrest Baptist Church where Coach Hall teaches an adult couples Sunday school class and serves as deacon.