Leadership, Legacy, and the Bright Future of Muscogee Athletics

A new chapter in Muscogee County athletics is officially underway—and it starts at the top. In a unanimous vote on June 24, 2025, the Muscogee County School Board appointed Kendall Mills as the new Director of District-Wide Athletics. A respected leader in Georgia’s high school sports landscape, Mills steps into the role after years of cultivating success at Hardaway High School, where he served as Athletic Director for the past nine years.

To those familiar with high school sports in the Chattahoochee Valley, the name Kendall Mills carries weight—and with good reason. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Mills has been a tireless advocate for youth athletics and academic achievement. At Hardaway, he not only compiled over 300 varsity basketball victories as head coach but also elevated the school’s athletic profile across multiple sports, including leading the volleyball program to multiple Elite Eight appearances. He spent seven of his nine years at Hardaway in the AD role, overseeing all sports, student eligibility, scheduling, and program development with an eye for progress and student success.

Those close to the programs he’s led speak not only to his coaching acumen but also his leadership style—one built on integrity, accountability, and a relentless drive for excellence. His vision now expands beyond one campus to an entire district, where he’ll be tasked with shaping the future of athletics for all Muscogee County middle and high schools. From hiring and supporting coaches to managing district-level compliance, budgeting, and long-term planning, Mills’ role will be central to the growth of every program under the MCSD banner.

With fall sports just around the corner, many are eager to see how Mills will influence competition, student development, and community pride across the district. The expectation is not just continued success—but raised standards. And if his past is any indication, the district is in for something special.

While leadership is evolving at the district level, Muscogee County athletes are also making headlines on the national stage. Carver High School’s Tristian Givens, a dominant defensive end and cornerstone of the Tigers’ 2025 GHSA AA state championship team, made his college decision public on June 21—he’s officially committed to Texas A&M. Givens, a 6’4”, 215-pound edge rusher, is one of the most coveted prospects in the country. Rated a 5-star recruit by every major scouting outlet, he’s ranked in the top 10 nationally at his position by 247Sports, and in the top 20 overall by both On3 and ESPN. His production speaks for itself: roughly 30 sacks over the past two seasons, constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the rare ability to both rush the passer and drop into coverage when needed. Coaches call him a “game-changer,” and it’s clear why. He’s the kind of athlete who shifts game plans and elevates the entire level of play around him.

Track and field stars are also representing Muscogee County with pride. At the prestigious Adidas National Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina, several local athletes made major impressions.

Jemarion Floyd stole the show, winning the freshman division national title in the 400-meter dash with a blistering personal-record time of 47.74 seconds. His victory didn’t just win hardware—it made a statement about the level of talent being developed in Columbus. Coaches from across the country took notice, and Floyd’s name is now on the national radar.

His teammate Cameron Thomas also competed at a high level, placing 20th out of 62 athletes in the freshman mile run. A developing long-distance specialist, Thomas demonstrated competitive spirit, strong pacing, and the ability to stay composed under national spotlight pressure.

Not to be outdone, Ciara Thomas—running in the elite Championship Division—placed 12th overall out of 94 runners in the 400-meter dash. Known for her graceful form and gritty finishes, CiCi continues to lead by example, proving that Muscogee County sprinters can compete with the nation’s best.

As the summer heats up, the football countdown is officially on. With just 38 days until kickoff, teams across the region are gearing up for another action-packed fall. One of the most anticipated programs this season is the Spencer Greenwaves.

Coming off a 7–4 finish in 2024–25, including a 5–2 region record, the Greenwaves showcased one of the most impressive turnarounds in Region 1-AA. Under the direction of head coach Joe Kegler, Spencer built momentum all year long, closing the regular season with marquee wins over Jordan (57–17), Kendrick (55–14), and Hardaway (25–20). The team clinched a playoff spot and advanced to the first round, falling 49–35 in a hard-fought battle against Westside.

What’s fueling this resurgence? A talented and experienced core of returning players. Middle linebacker and running back Christopher Star Jr. headlines the defense—and it’s not close. He totaled a staggering 192 tackles on the year, averaging over 19 tackles per game, with 10 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He finished the season ranked No. 1 in Georgia—and across all of AA—for total tackles. Star is the heartbeat of Spencer’s defense and will anchor the unit again this fall.

Quarterback Elijah Fudge also returns for his junior season. At 6’0” and 170 lbs, Fudge has grown into his role as the team’s offensive leader. He brings poise, timing, and confidence to the position—traits that will be critical as Spencer looks to make a deeper playoff push this year. Offensive utility weapon Monyee Gaither is another name to know. Whether lined up in the backfield or flexed out wide, Gaither is explosive in space and has proven to be a consistent big-play threat. His versatility gives the Greenwaves flexibility in their formations and play-calling.

Spencer will open their 2025–26 season on Thursday, August 7, against the Northside Patriots at Odis Spencer Stadium—a matchup that should give fans an early look at how much this team has grown over the offseason. It’s a game that will set the tone for what could be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.

From new leadership and national commitments to rising stars and fall football anticipation, the Muscogee County sports scene is buzzing. With passionate coaches, determined athletes, and a community that continues to rally behind its youth, the future looks bright—and the best may still be ahead.