Following Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Chad Ellis was announced as the district’s new Athletic Director. Ellis brings more than two decades of experience in education and athletics and currently serves as a teacher and coach at Ninety Six High School.
Over the course of his career, Ellis has held numerous leadership roles within Ninety Six High School’s athletic programs, including Assistant Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Associate Head Coach. In addition to his contributions to the football program, Ellis has served as Head Baseball Coach since 2011 and previously coached as an Assistant Baseball Coach from 2008 to 2010.
Prior to joining Ninety Six High School, Ellis began his career at Emerald High School in Greenwood School District 50, where he served as a teacher and assistant coach for both football and baseball.
Ellis earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Lander University and later completed additional studies in Educational Technology at Lander.
Throughout his tenure as a coach, Ellis has received numerous recognitions for excellence in athletics. While winning back-to-back State Championships in 2014 and 2015, he was named the South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association Class AA Coach of the Year in 2015 and Region Coach of the Year in 2013, 2018, and 2022. He has also been selected as a South Carolina Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Coach in both 2018 and 2024.
“We are excited to have Coach Ellis step into this leadership role,” Superintendent Dr. Beth Taylor said. “His dedication to students, his experience as a coach and educator, and his commitment to building strong relationships with our school community will help continue the tradition of excellence in athletics at our high school.”
“I am honored to serve the students, coaches, and community of Ninety Six in this new role,” Ellis stated. “Athletics play such an important part in our students’ educational experience. I look forward to continuing to support our student-athletes and building upon the strong traditions already in place.”
Ellis will begin his duties as Athletic Director for the 2026 - 2027 school year.