Fredell Harris
Fredell Harris a.k.a Coach Harris was born on June 5, 1946 to the late Herman Harris and Cressie Mae Sails of Vildo, Tennessee. Fredell was the fourth of nine siblings, and in his early years of schooling he attended Brown Elementary in Vildo, Tennessee. He later attended Allen White Elementary and Allen White High School. He found his love and passion for basketball at an early age. During high school not only did he play on the boy’s team, but he also served as captain his Senior year. In 1966, Fredell graduated ninth place in his class of 42 students from Allen White. Coach Harris then attended college in Jackson, TN at Lane College majoring in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Biology, and graduated in 1972. Because he enjoyed helping students working in the education field, he decided to continue his educational journey pursuing an advanced level degree. He attended Memphis State University, and graduated in 1981 with a Master’s in Guidance and Personal Service.
In 1973-1974, Coach Harris started his teaching and coaching career at Bolivar Jr. High School. He taught science and was the girls’ basketball coach. After one year of coaching the girls team, he then began coaching for both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. During his years of coaching at Jr. High, he won district and region championships. His coaching talents began to be recognized and he was presented with a great opportunity. He had to make a difficult decision that took prayer, and many discussions with family and close friends. Coach Harris took the position and in 1979-1980, he moved to Bolivar Central High School where he taught Wellness/Health and continued his successful coaching career as the girls’ basketball high school Head Coach. He had many years and wonderful seasons of coaching, winning championship titles such as District, Region, Runner Up in District for the 13AA and 14AA, and advanced to the State Tournament from the years 1981-1991. Coach Harris enjoyed not only coaching but teaching young students giving them good life-changing advice and words to live by. He continued his teaching career at Bolivar Central High School transitioning to a guidance counselor role where he continued to help young people until Retirement. He loves occasionally running into his students over the years as adults, being reminded of all the many high school memories and realizing how they have grown and developed into productive citizens in society. In January 2023, Coach Fredell Harris was honored at a home basketball game celebrating the official finality of his coaching career, and retiring his jersey recognizing all of his great accomplishments at Bolivar Central High. He served as the Girls’ Head Coach for 23 years from 1979-2002 with a total of 384 career wins and 225 losses. He was awarded Girls’ Coach of the Year 5 times, and received the Coca Cola and McDonald’s Awards in 1989 and 1993.
