SMITHFIELD – Hancel Phipps has been named the new football coach at Smithfield-Selma High School. Coach Phipps brings a wealth of experience and success to the program and is eager to continue the tradition of excellence at Smithfield-Selma.
Coach Phipps spent the past 10 years as the Offensive Coordinator at Wake Forest High School, which has consistently produced a winning record. Prior to joining the staff at Wake Forest, Coach Phipps led in differing roles that included Head Coach and Athletic Director. Coach Phipps led the offenses to five 4-AA Eastern Regional Championships and three State Championships. Phipps has traveled and led Wing-T Clinics in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Washington, DC, and North Carolina. He known is a motivator, a strategist, and a true leader who will inspire our student-athletes to be their best both on and off the field.
Coach Phipps said he believes in building strong relationships with our student-athletes and creating a culture of hard work, dedication, and teamwork leading to success.
Phipps takes over the Spartans program that is coming off a Conference Championship, the team’s first since 1998. The team finished with a record of 9-2 and have reached the state playoffs 2 years in row.
Principal David Allen said, “We were looking for the best coach out there for our players, the school, and the community. Coach Phipps’ success at Wake Forest is a great example of what we want to build at SSS and I have every confidence he will bring those winning elements to Smithfield-Selma.”
Athletic Director Lori Rose added, “We believe that Coach Phipps is the right person to build on the proud tradition of Smithfield-Selma football and we look forward to seeing the team excel under his leadership.”
A meet and greet and press conference were held on March 1, to introduce Phipps to the school and community.
