News Summary

After 25 remarkable seasons, Coach Jon Marcus Duncan has stepped down from his role at Jackson Prep’s soccer team, leaving a legacy as Mississippi’s all-time winningest coach. With 30 state championships and 862 wins, Duncan’s coaching career has transformed the lives of countless young athletes. His family ties with the program and dedication have created lasting connections in the community. While he moves on to new opportunities, his impact on the sport and the school’s culture will be felt for generations to come.

Jackson, Mississippi Says Goodbye to a Soccer Legend

After an astonishing 25 seasons at the helm of Jackson Prep’s soccer team, Coach Jon Marcus Duncan has officially stepped down, marking the end of a remarkable era in Mississippi high school sports. Renowned as the all-time winningest coach in the state’s high school soccer history, Duncan leaves behind a legacy that is nothing short of legendary.

A Winning Legacy

Duncan’s tenure at Jackson Prep was filled with triumph, securing an impressive 30 state championships over his coaching career. With a staggering record of 862 wins—comprising 474 victories with the girls’ teams and 388 victories with the boys’ teams—Duncan boasts an overall winning percentage of an impressive 83%. These remarkable numbers not only highlight his skill as a coach but also how he has shaped the lives of countless young athletes.

He made history by surpassing the previous record of 831 coaching wins held by the respected Karl Friedrich, who had a commendable career lasting 32 seasons. Duncan’s journey began in the year 2000 when he was approached by his father, Jimmy Duncan, about the opening for the head coach position at Jackson Prep. After a successful interview, he was offered the job that would shape his professional life, and he also took on the role of teaching seventh-grade life science.

Family Ties

Coaching at Jackson Prep has been a family affair for Duncan. His daughters, Josie who is now a junior at Mississippi State, and Abby, who is set to graduate from Prep this May, both played under his guidance. This unique blend of family and coaching has enriched his experience in the sport and deepened his connections with the school community.

As he moves on to new adventures, Duncan will continue working alongside his father, ensuring that his passion for coaching remains alive even though he is stepping back from the head coach role at Jackson Prep. He is not retiring, but instead exploring fresh opportunities that lie ahead.

A Heartfelt Farewell

The athletic director at Jackson Prep, Will Crosby, praised Duncan’s profound influence on the students and the lasting contributions he made to the school’s sporting culture. It was never about the records for Duncan, but rather the quest to build a premier soccer program that would inspire and uplift young athletes.

Former players and current students expressed their heartfelt admiration for Duncan, recalling how he instilled passion and dedication in his teams. Junior forward Torrey Polk, who is committed to Auburn, regarded Duncan as a significant role model, highlighting his impactful coaching style.

Other former players echoed these sentiments, with standout player Laura Lee Smith (Beneke) emphasizing Duncan’s dedication to fostering each player’s growth and future success. Senior midfielder Elliot Davis praised Duncan’s competitive spirit while describing his genuine care for every athlete he coached.

Former player Daniel Lang reflected on how Duncan’s rigorous preparation not only improved team performances but also equipped players with essential life skills. Fellow coach and former player, Phillip Buffington, shared a deep respect for Duncan’s boundless energy and enthusiasm that remained constant throughout his many years of coaching.

A Lasting Connection

As he steps away from this chapter of his coaching journey, Duncan expressed gratitude for the strong relationships he forged with players, families, and the Jackson Prep community over the years. His impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come, and while he may be moving on, his legacy will remain forever cemented in the hearts of those he coached.

So, here’s to Jon Marcus Duncan—a true legend in Mississippi high school soccer! His contributions will continue to inspire upcoming generations, and his spirit will remain alive in the fields where so many young athletes learned to play, grow, and dream big.

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