Columbia State Names Chris Leggett as Lady Chargers Head Coach

Issue #421

April 28, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly sunny w/ high of 84 & low of 68

🏀 Columbia State Names Chris Leggett as Lady Chargers Head Coach

📰 High School Students Get a Closer Look at Columbia State During Special Campus Visit

🎤 Eagleville’s Mattie Pruitt Advances to Top 12 on American Idol 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Monday, April 28th

Tuesday, April 29th

Wednesday, April 30th

Thursday, May 1st

Friday, May 2nd

Saturday, May 3rd

Sunday, May 4th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

May 1 - 18: Fiddler on the Roof at Packard Playhouse
May 29 - 31: Music City Rodeo

Columbia State Names Chris Leggett as Lady Chargers Head Coach

Columbia State Community College announced Chris Leggett as the new head coach for the Lady Chargers basketball team.

Leggett’s arrival at the college made an immediate impact on both of Columbia State’s basketball teams. After serving as the assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs during the 2024–2025 season, he stepped into the interim head coach role in January 2025 and led the Lady Chargers to a second-place finish in conference play. He also played a key supporting role in guiding the men’s team to both the regular season and conference tournament championships.

“We are excited to have Chris take the helm of the Lady Chargers Basketball program,” said Katie Willingham, Columbia State athletic director. “He has done an outstanding job as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s teams, and his leadership as interim head coach was seamless and steady. Chris brings passion, experience and a true commitment to our student-athletes. We can’t wait to see the future of Lady Chargers Basketball under his direction.”

Leggett, a Meridian, Mississippi native, earned his bachelor’s degree in university studies and health and human services from the University of Mississippi in 2021.

Prior to Columbia State, Leggett spent three seasons as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the men’s basketball program at Fort Valley State University in Georgia. His coaching journey also includes a season at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

“We are so grateful that Coach Leggett has decided to join us in this role," said Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president for Student Affairs. “We know that he is going to do amazing things. He already has done some amazing things. So, congratulations! We welcome you and look forward to the 2025-2026 basketball season.”

Leggett has a strong track record of player development and academic support. He has coached nine all-conference athletes, including: two conference players of the year, one defensive player of the year, one offensive player of the year and one freshman of the year. He had also maintained a 95% graduation rate among seniors. Teams under his leadership have captured both regular season and tournament conference titles.

“My goal is to build a culture where hard work, discipline and accountability are the standard—both on the court and in the classroom,” Leggett said. “When players believe in each other and commit to the process, winning becomes the byproduct.”

High School Students Get a Closer Look at Columbia State During Special Campus Visit

In other Columbia State News… Columbia State Community College hosted the Lion Nation Meets Charger Nation event on March 18 where students from Columbia Central High School came to the Columbia Campus to explore the campus and their educational futures.

During the event, eleventh and twelfth-grade students were greeted by several divisions in the Jones Student Center. Representatives from divisions included: Business and Technology; Health Sciences; Written, Oral and Digital Communications; and Humanities and Social Sciences; and others attended to help inform students of different degree and program opportunities.

“This was an exciting time for Lion Nation and Charger Nation!” said Yolanda Ogilvie, Columbia State enrollment recruiter. “Columbia State provides a great starting point for success, and we want them to know about the opportunities right here in their own community.”

The event also allowed students the chance to tour Columbia State’s campus.

A student who attended the event said she learned new things about the college, as well as options she didn’t know she had before.

“Very helpful. Opened my eyes to more opportunities here on campus and made me interested in more things,” said Jorja Walker, Columbia Central High School twelfth grade student.

For more information about Columbia State, including campus tours, information sessions and enrollment, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/campustour.

Eagleville’s Mattie Pruitt Advances to Top 12 on American Idol 

Eagleville’s own Mattie Pruitt took another big step in her American Idol journey on Sunday night, competing for a spot in the show's top 12.

The evening featured Rock 'n' Roll legends as the theme, with James Taylor serving as the guest mentor. Mattie sang Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.”

After her performance, judge Carrie Underwood praised Mattie’s choice and delivery, saying, “That was a great song choice for your voice and for the night. You sang that wonderfully. I love your look for this. If I can say anything, you’ve got to find your sass. You’re so sweet and smiley. You need some sass.”

Voting took place live during the show, and by the end of the night, Mattie secured enough votes to move forward, officially earning her place in the top 12 contestants.

You can watch Mattie’s performance above.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Monday, April 28th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, April 29th

Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, April 30th

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, May 1st

Madison Hughes, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Anthony Michael, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, May 2nd

Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
The Bird and The Bear, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Yonder Grove, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Nature Project, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Fletcher Brothers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Rea Radick, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 3rd

Kenny Durham & Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Taylor Barton, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Karli & James, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
The South Bond Crows, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, May 4th

Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Reba’s Hairdo, Fozzy’s, 4:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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