After being named The Natchez Democrat‘s All-Metro 2018 Baseball Coach of the Year, Delta Charter School’s coach Jarrett Hoffpauir is leaving to become the head baseball coach at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg.

“It was the hardest decision I ever had to make,” Hoffpauir said. “It was just a great opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. Plus, it was a great opportunity for my family, which comes first. However, I am going to miss Delta Charter, the faculty and most importantly, the kids.

“Sky’s the limit for Delta Charter. The program is heading in the right direction. The kids that are coming up are very talented. Whoever takes over there will have a good team on their hands.”

In the two years Delta Charter has been eligible for postseason play, Hoffpauir has helped the Storm reach the state quarterfinals and the LHSAA Class 1A state championship game this past season.

Moving to Hattiesburg will not be unfamiliar to Hoffpauir because after a standout career at Vidalia High School, he went onto play at the University of Southern Mississippi.

“The area was kind of a deal breaker for me,” Hoffpauir said. “My family loves that area. My brother is there as well. Plus, we have friends there. It is a perfect fit for us personally.”

Hoffpauir holds the Southern Miss record for hits in a season (109) and runs batted in (92) — both recorded in 2004. Also during his time as a Golden Eagle, Hoffpauir was one of the three finalists for the Ferriss Trophy which is given to the best collegiate player in Mississippi.

Last year, Presbyterian went 7-23 as a baseball program. The Bobcats compete in the MAIS AAAA-D1 along with schools such as Jackson Prep and Jackson Academy.

“It’s going to be a challenge,” Hoffpauir said. “The school is in a tough division with all of those Jackson schools. But, I like dealing with a challenge. It’s going to be a process though. I am excited.”