LIBERTY
MAGNET
LIBERTY MAGNET ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
Athletics Department Mission
The mission of the Liberty Magnet High School athletic department is to promote character, discipline, and teamwork by teaching student-athletes life lessons while excelling academically, athletically, and professionally.
New Athlete Information
If you are an incoming student to Liberty and you wish to inquire about athletics at Liberty, please contact the coach for the sport you are interested in playing. Coach's emails are listed below.
Returning Athlete Information
If you are a returning athlete to Liberty you will need to fill out the packet located HERE.
Athletic Director
Jimmy Zachery
Coach Jimmy Zachery serves as Liberty Magnet High School’s Athletics Director, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven record of success in Louisiana high school athletics. A championship-winning coach, Coach Zachery has led teams to multiple district and state titles and has been recognized as Coach of the Year.
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With a career dedicated to student-athlete development, he has helped numerous athletes earn college scholarships and prides himself on fostering excellence both on the field and in the classroom. At Liberty, Coach Zachery is committed to building a strong, competitive athletics program that reflects the school’s spirit, discipline, and drive for success.
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BASEBALL
Head Coach: Corey Magee
Email: cmagee1@ebrschools.org
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Coach Corey Magee brings more than 15 years of experience as an educator and coach, dedicating his career to developing student-athletes on and off the field. A proud alumnus of Grambling State University, Coach Magee played collegiate baseball, where he gained a deep understanding of teamwork, discipline, and leadership—values that continue to define his coaching philosophy today.
Throughout his career, Coach Magee has served as a varsity football and baseball coach at several respected Louisiana high schools, including White Castle High School, Madison Prep Academy, Plaquemine High School, and Northeast High School. His impact has gone beyond wins and losses, focusing on mentorship, character-building, and preparing young athletes for success in all aspects of life.
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Now leading Liberty’s baseball program, Coach Magee is committed to cultivating a competitive and unified team culture that reflects the Patriot spirit.
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MEN'S BASKETBALL
Head Coach: Joshua Edwards
Email: jedwards@ebrschools.org
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Coach Joshua Edwards joins Liberty Magnet High School as Interim Head Basketball Coach, bringing over a decade of experience and a proven record of success.
He began his coaching career in 2013 as an assistant at Opelousas High School, quickly earning a reputation for building competitive teams and fostering a culture of excellence. During his tenure, he guided the Tigers to three district championships, earned District Coach of the Year honors, and led his teams to consistent playoff appearances—including three quarterfinal runs. His leadership also produced two #1-ranked teams, multiple Top 10 state rankings, and the rare achievement of qualifying for the state playoffs every season of his career.
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Beyond the wins, Coach Edwards is deeply committed to player development. Under his guidance, eight student-athletes have advanced to play collegiate basketball—reflecting his dedication to preparing athletes for success on and off the court.
Known for his strategic mindset, strong leadership, and ability to inspire, Coach Edwards emphasizes hard work, discipline, academic focus, and a winning mentality. The Patriot community is excited to welcome him and looks forward to an exciting future for Liberty Basketball.
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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Head Coach: Valencia Wilson
Email: VNorwood@ebrschools.org
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The purpose of Liberty Magnet High School Girls’ Basketball program is to provide opportunities not found in the curriculum that will contribute to the student's physical, emotional, psychological, and sociological development.
Coach Valencia Wilson believes in developing leaders and promoting discipline on and off the court. She is committed to building a championship team that gives total effort while exhibiting character and class. Her philosophy is “hard-work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Coach Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from University of Louisiana Monroe and a Master of Science in Sports Management from Northcentral University.
Coach Wilson joined the Liberty Magnet High (then Lee Magnet High) family August of 2016. This school year marks her 11th -year coaching at the high school level. Coach Wilson’s overall record is 261-85. Coach Wilson has been named Coach of the Year six times. In 2019, the Lady Patriots earned their first state championship. The Lady Patriots claimed another state championship in 2020. In year 2021 The Lady Patriots were the Division II State Runner-ups.
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FOOTBALL
Coach: Jimmy Zachery
Email: jzachery@ebrschools.org
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Coach Jimmy Zachery brings a championship pedigree and a relentless drive for excellence to Liberty Magnet High School. With over a decade of coaching experience, he has led teams to 2 State Championships, 7 District Championships, and 6 Quarterfinal Appearances, earning recognition as the 2023 Coach of the Year.
Under his leadership, 19 student-athletes earned college scholarships in just four years, reflecting his commitment to developing players who excel both on the field and in the classroom. Known for his winning mindset and high-energy approach, Coach Zachery is dedicated to building a powerhouse football program at Liberty while fostering discipline, teamwork, and character in every Patriot athlete.
VOLLEYBALL & SOFTBALL
​Head Coach: Bridget Bowman
Email: bbowman2@ebrschools.org
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​Ms. Littleton Bowman holds both a Bachelor’s degree in health and physical education and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Southern University A&M College. Throughout her career, she has worked with students from all parts of Baton Rouge and EBRPSS as a teacher, Dean of Students and Coach/Mentor.
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Ms. Littleton Bowman has three adult children who are all graduates of East Baton Rouge Parish Schools and currently reside in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Her commitment to young student-athletes and their development as young leaders remains a driving force in her career. She is also dedicated to her new role as AP test coordinator and helping identify the future National Merit Scholar Recipients for Liberty Magnet High School. ​
BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK & CROSSCOUNTRY
Coach: Kevin Jackson
Email: kjackson14@ebrschools.org
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Entering his second year at Liberty Magnet High School, Coach Jackson envisions building a strong foundation for the Track and Field and Cross Country teams, aiming to develop successful young women and men both on and off campus. He earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Grambling State University and is now in his 14th year of coaching. Throughout his career, he has been part of eight state championship teams and, more importantly, has helped 19 student-athletes secure college athletic scholarships. Coaching is in his blood; he is the son of Shawn Jackson, a coach at the University of South Carolina. Coach Jackson has always felt that coaching and giving back to young people is his calling. He believes that the program's message goes beyond sports, focusing on instilling values and life lessons that will stay with athletes long after graduation.
MEN'S SOCCER
​Sponsor: Sean Musgrow
Email: SMusgrow@ebrschools.org
WOMEN'S SOCCER
​Head Coach: David Woods
Email: dwoods1@ebrschools.org
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Coach David Woods started his career teaching high school math in 2005 and joined the Liberty Magnet High (then Lee Magnet High) faculty in August 2015. Coach Woods returned to coaching soccer in 2022 and this year marks Coach Woods' 17th year of coaching soccer and his 7th year of coaching soccer at Liberty Magnet High School. Coach Woods coached the Liberty Patriots to their first state playoff appearance since the school re-opened in 2012.
Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy is best summed up by a quote by Robert Kanaby, Former Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations. “Winning at the professional level is required. Winning at the collegiate level has become expected. Winning at the high school level should be a pleasant byproduct to what you're really supposed to be doing, which is developing young people into productive citizens.” I believe that this can be accomplished through 1) Maintaining high standards of sportsmanship on and off the field, 2) Building belief in the ability of yourself and your teammates, 3) Promoting holistic development through soccer and 4) Embracing an enthusiasm for this experience.
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SWIMMING
Head Coach: Cole Williamson
Email: cwilliamson@ebrschools.org
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Last year we had swimmers compete at the state tournament and were very successful. We even had a swimmer win the state tournament in multiple events.
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It is our goal to provide a safe and healthy activity for students that allows them to enhance their educational experience. Our sport is a great activity to increase physical health, as well as make friends and develop a team atmosphere.
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Our competitions start in September, so students need to sign up as soon as possible.
TENNIS
​Head Coach: William Mitchell
Email: wmitchell1@ebrschools.org
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The Liberty Magnet Tennis Program encourages students of all abilities and experiences to learn and enjoy a life-long sport that encourages skills and habits that go well-beyond the tennis court. The values of integrity, accountability and reaching for excellence will be reinforced among student-athletes at all levels. Our sport is a great activity to increase physical health, as well as make friends and develop a team atmosphere. We are looking to grow the program and turn it into something truly enjoyable for our students and competitive in our district.
Sign-ups will begin in January.
BOWLING
Head Coach: Sonja Franklin
Assistant Coaches: James Deliphose & Paul James
Email: sfranklin@ebrschools.org
The Liberty Magnet Bowling coaches all come with years of experience in the sport of bowling. We have competed locally, regionally and nationally. We are either ABC, WIBC, or USBC sanctioned.
We look forward to promoting bowling as a lifelong sport. Bowling can help students learn discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and time management. It can also help them learn how to understand winning and losing and how to compete individually and as part of a team.
Bowling gives students the opportunity to earn high school varsity letters and college scholarships. It can also help students experience community pride and meet bowlers from other schools.
Our vision is for all high school athletes to experience the fun and competition of organized bowling.
CHEERLEADING
Coach: Lesley Magee
Email: LMagee2@ebrschools.org
Lesley Magee is a lifelong cheerleader whose passion for the sport began in middle school and carried through her high school years. After graduation, she joined the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Staff, traveling across the Mid-South to lead cheer camps and inspire young athletes. She then went on to cheer at Alcorn State University, where her leadership and spirit earned her the role of squad captain after just one year.
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With over 13 years of coaching experience across two states and six school districts, Coach Magee has dedicated her career to developing both the skills and character of her athletes. She values the unique bond she forms with each team and loves watching her cheerleaders grow—on the sidelines, in competition, and in life.
Cheerleading is her “fountain of youth,” and she is thrilled for all that the upcoming Liberty Magnet season has in store!
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BAND
​Director: Stephen Gregory
Email: sgregory@ebrschools.org
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Stephen Gregory is a dedicated musician, educator, and entrepreneur. With a rich background in music, Stephen has played and toured as a French horn player in prominent cities like New York, Paris, and Washington, DC. His passion for music extends into the classroom, where he inspires and educates younger students with his unique approach, motivating the next generation of musicians.
In addition to his musical career, Stephen is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, which has played a significant role in shaping his leadership skills and commitment to community service. His leadership qualities were further honed during his time at Southern University, where he served as the section leader for the mellophone section.
Stephen is also the founder of a successful landscaping and tree company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and versatility. His ability to balance his love for music and his business ventures makes him a dynamic and well-rounded professional.
