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.
Student Athletic Packet
If you wish to participate in any sport at Liberty Magnet, you must turn in a completed Student Athlete Packet.
See link below.
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Athletic Director
Ashley Murphy
FOOTBALL
Coach: Devyn Baker
Email: dbaker2@ebrschools.org
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Coach Baker joins Liberty Magnet High School as Head Football Coach, bringing more than fifteen years of experience in education and athletics. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to developing student-athletes, building competitive programs, and fostering a culture of excellence. Most recently, he served at Northeast High School, where he played an integral role in mentoring young people and contributing to a successful athletic program.
Coach Baker's philosophy is rooted in discipline, toughness, and relentless effort. He is committed to developing young men of character who strive for excellence both on and off the field. His goal is to build a football program that not only competes at a high level but also prepares student-athletes for success beyond high school through leadership, accountability, and academic achievement.
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Coach Baker and his wife, Courtney, are the proud parents of three children: Devyn Jr., Dallas, and Camryn. He is excited to become part of the Liberty Magnet community and looks forward to leading the Patriots with passion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Head Coach: Ejerold Avery
Email: EAvery@ebrschools.org
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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Head Coach: Valencia Wilson
Email: VNorwood@ebrschools.org
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The purpose of the Liberty Magnet High School Girls Basketball Program is to provide opportunities beyond the classroom that contribute to the physical, emotional, psychological, and social development of student-athletes. The program is dedicated to teaching life lessons through athletics while preparing young women for success both on and off the court.
Head Coach Valencia Wilson believes in developing leaders and promoting discipline, accountability, and excellence. She is committed to building a championship program that demands total effort while displaying character and class. Her philosophy is simple: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Coach Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Louisiana Monroe and a Master of Science in Sports Management from Northcentral University. She joined the Liberty Magnet High School family (formerly Lee Magnet High School) in August 2016.
The 2026-27 season marks Coach Wilson’s 11th year as head coach at Liberty Magnet and 15th year overall at the high school level. During her tenure, she has compiled an impressive 316-90 overall record and has been named Coach of the Year six times.
Under Coach Wilson’s leadership, the Lady Patriots have established themselves among Louisiana’s premier programs. The team captured its first State Championship in 2019, followed by a second consecutive State Championship in 2020. In 2021, the Lady Patriots finished as Division II State Runner-Up, further solidifying the program’s tradition of excellence.
The Lady Patriots strive to uphold “The Standard” by emphasizing academics, character, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The ultimate goal of the program is to develop young women who will positively impact their families, communities, and future endeavors long after their playing days have ended.
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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VOLLEYBALL & SOFTBALL
​Head Coach: Phalen Clark
Email:
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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: Eli Thrash
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: Sarah Dryden
Email: SOliver4@ebrschools.org​
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.
DANCE
Coach: Janesa Marcelle
Email: JRichardson2@ebrschools.org
Janèsa Marcelle joins Liberty Magnet High School with 16 years of experience as a dance educator, bringing a passion for student development and artistic excellence. Originally from California, she has taught in classrooms and studios across Louisiana, inspiring students through high-quality dance instruction and mentorship.
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With experience in contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, and other dance styles, Ms. Marcelle is committed to helping students build confidence, discipline, creativity, and self-expression through dance. She is excited to join the Liberty Magnet family and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of performers.
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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.
