Wiygul joins Red Bay High as assistant principal, coach
RED BAY — Trae Wiygul is stepping into a dual role as assistant principal and volleyball coach at Red Bay High School. He brings 28 years of experience in education and coaching, along with a passion for student success and an energetic, relationshipdriven approach.
Originally from the Dorsey community near Fulton, Mississippi, Wiygulhasspenthiscareer in education, serving as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, athletic director, and most recently, superintendent of the Itawamba County School District.
Though he hadn’t been looking to return to school administration, a call from Red Bay Principal Brady Ramie, coupled with a longtime respect for his leadership, sparked new interest.
“I’ve always been intrigued by Red Bay,” Wiygul said. “It’s a great school in a great system. It reminds me of where I’m from in Itawamba County (Mississippi) great people, awesome students and a community that goes all in for their school.”
“When Mr. Ramie reached out, I just felt that pull to get back into administration and be part of the team,” he added.
Wiygul holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from Mississippi State University and a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi.
He began his career at Mooreville High School, then moved to Dorsey Attendance Center, where he served as teacher, coach and assistant principal before becoming principal. He later became principal at Itawamba Agricultural High School, serving there for more than a decade before taking on the role of superintendent.
Throughout his career, Wiygul has coached football, basketball, baseball, golf, track, cross country, and, once, a game of soccer. While he hasn’t coached volleyball before, he has played it recreationally.
He now takes on the Red Bay High volleyball program as head coach, assisted by Jade Hallmark and Ashley Blackburn, who will lead the junior high team.
“I’m excited to learn and grow with the girls,” Wiygul said. “Volleyball is fast-paced, team-oriented, and it really demands strong communication.
“We’re going to be disciplined, fundamentally sound, and outwork everybody,” he added. “I want our girls to compete and have fun doing so. I want them to wear the Red Bay Tigers logo with pride and passion.”
As assistant principal, he plans to focus on building relationships with students and creating a school culture built on care and high expectations.
“I want students to love coming to school, to love learning,” he said. “They need to know we’re here to support them and push them to be the best they can be. Nobody should ever outwork us — staff or students.”
Principal Ramie praised Wiygul’s deep well of experience and student-centered values.
“Mr. Wiygul brings a wealth of knowledge to Red Bay High School,” Ramie said. “His background equips him with the skills to help our students be the best they can be. He’s known for his hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to student success. His passion for education and high expectations for excellence will serve our school well.”
Wiygul said what excites him most is returning to the relational side of education — the daily, hands-on work with students.
“As superintendent, you don’t get to build those individual relationships the same way. I missed that. I’m looking forward to being there for our students and seeing them succeed.”
Outside of school, Wiygul enjoys spending time with his family.
He and his wife, Kerry, a retired teacher, live in the Dorsey community in Mississippi. Kerry now co-owns Magnolia Soap and Main Street Vintage Antiques in Fulton, Mississippi.
The couple has four children — Sarah Grace, a third-grade teacher; twin daughters Lauren and Anna, who recently graduated from Mississippi State University; and Wes, who will be a high school senior this fall.
As he begins this new chapter at RBHS, Wiygul says his goal is simple: “I want the students and families here to know they’ve got someone who truly cares, someone who’s going to give everything he’s got to help them succeed.”
