Farmington Public Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Jessica McCollough as the new head basketball coach for the Lady Cardinals. A celebrated hometown athlete and coaching veteran, McCollough steps into the role after nearly two decades of shaping the district’s basketball programs from the sidelines.
A Farmington native, McCollough brings a legacy of excellence to the position. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in Health and Physical Education, she returned home to begin a coaching career that spanned 19 seasons at Farmington Junior High and 16 seasons as the assistant varsity girls coach at Farmington High School.
Her coaching record speaks volumes:
Farmington Junior High Girls Coach (2005–2024): 376–54 career record, 4-time conference champion, and undefeated in conference play from 2020–2024.
Assistant Varsity Coach (2009–2025): 403–106 career record, 4-time state champion (2020, 2023–2025), 7 state finals appearances, 5 regional titles, and 8 conference championships.
"Jessica is more than just a coach—she’s a symbol of pride and stability for this basketball program and this community," said Beau Thompson, Farmington Athletic Director. "Her leadership, passion for the game, and lifelong commitment to Farmington athletics make her the perfect choice to guide our high school girls program into its next chapter."
McCollough’s coaching staff is equally impressive and brings a wealth of experience to the court. Joining her as assistant high school coach is Preston Early, who spent the past 26 years as the head girls basketball coach at Rogers High School. With 415 career wins, Early is the winningest coach in Rogers history, having led 21 teams to the state tournament and earning 6A West Coach of the Year honors three times. Coach Denver Holt will continue his outstanding work as the head junior high coach, a role in which he has remained undefeated and has been instrumental in instilling a strong system and culture among 7th through 9th grade athletes. Rounding out the staff is DeAnna Campbell, who brings 31 years of educational and coaching experience. She has served in assistant basketball and track coaching roles and held head volleyball coaching positions at both the high school and collegiate levels, most recently at Jacksonville and Cabot schools.
McCollough expressed excitement about the new role: “This is more than just a job for me—it's home. I’ve had the honor of coaching many of these girls since junior high, and I’m thrilled to continue that journey with them at the varsity level.”
Farmington looks ahead to a new season under McCollough's leadership, fueled by high expectations and deep community roots.