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One of the most respected names in Mississippi high school basketball has received one of the sport’s highest honors.
Longtime Simpson Academy Lady Cougars head basketball coach Linda Dear has been inducted into the MSAIS Coaches Hall of Fame, recognizing a remarkable career defined by excellence, dedication, and championship success.
During her tenure at Simpson Academy, Coach Dear has compiled an outstanding 556-167 career record, establishing herself as one of the winningest coaches in MSAIS history. Her success has earned her MSAIS State Coach of the Year honors five times, a testament to the consistent excellence of her program.
Under Dear’s leadership, the Lady Cougars captured state championships in 1993, 1996, 1998, 2019, and 2026. Her teams also finished as state runners-up in 1996 and 2026, adding to an already impressive résumé.
Reflecting on the honor, Coach Dear simply said, “I’m grateful to be at Simpson.”
Anyone who has played for Coach Dear knows her practices demand hard work, discipline, and commitment. She expects the very best from her players, and in return, she has helped shape not only championship teams but also the lives of countless young women. Her impact reaches far beyond wins and losses, leaving a lasting legacy on generations of Lady Cougars.
Congratulations to Coach Linda Dear on her induction into the MSAIS Coaches Hall of Fame. The honor is a fitting recognition of an extraordinary coaching career and a lifetime of dedication to the game of basketball.
The Hall of Fame may have added Coach Dear’s name, but Lady Cougar fans will be happy to know she’ll soon be back where she belongs—on the sidelines, leading Simpson Academy into another basketball season.
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