Jones returning to WCHS to coach
One of the most recognizable names in girls wrestling in Tennessee will be leading the Lady Pioneers next year. Andi Jones, a WCHS alumni, is coming home and will bring plenty of championship experience to the circle.
As someone who grew up in Warren County, this feels like a full-circle moment,” said Jones. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to come home, work alongside coach (Josh) Harris and his staff, and give back to a community that played such an important role in my own life. I’m excited for what the future holds for Warren County wrestling.”
Jones has been the leader of the Blackman Blaze team this decade, most recently taking the squad to the state the last two seasons. Blackman won a match in the 2026 team tournament, a goal Jones and the team had set in place while it stormed to regional and sectional titles.
She’s no stranger to the state tournament as an athlete either. In 1997, Jones qualified for the state tournament in the 103-pound division, even before there were women’s divisions. Her relentless fight and unbreakable spirit is something Warren County was more than happy to have back locally.
“We are extremely excited about bringing someone of her caliber on board to head our girls program,” said co-Athletic Director Phillip King. “She’s a Warren County Wrestling legend. Coach Harris has done a magnificent job with both programs since he took over and now to be able hand over the girls side to a coach with the pedigree she has - not only as a great wrestler herself but also what’s she’s been able to accomplish as a coach - can only benefit our student athletes.
“I think her presence will tremendously benefit an already stellar program we have with our wrestling program. Being around her, she brings a personality and a fire that can be infectious - you almost can’t help being fired up being around her talking about wrestling.”
Jones made the announcement she was leaving Friday afternoon on her Facebook page. In it, she included all heartfelt message to all the athletes who helped build the Blackman program. And she noted how she’ll carry on that spirit as she heads back to her old stomping grounds.
“As I return to my hometown and begin this new opportunity at Warren County, I am excited for what lies ahead while carrying a deep appreciation for everything Blackman Girls Wrestling has meant to me,” said Jones on her Facebook page.
Jones is considered by many to be one of the best girls coaches in the state. She was recently recognized as the NWCA Coach of the Year in 2025-26 and has previously been named a region coach of the year with the Blaze.
“I’m excited to work with the athletes already in the Warren County wrestling room. Coach Harris and his staff have built a strong foundation, and I look forward to helping continue that growth and making Warren County wrestling even stronger in the years ahead,” said Jones.
Warren County already has started its own resurgence in girls wrestling over the last few seasons. Harris had a big hand in pushing the Lady Pioneers back into the state talk over the last two years, but now will be ceding control of the girls program to Jones.
She’ll take over a roster that features Maya Reagan, a returning sectional champ who was one win away from a state medal last year. Reagan was one of four Lady Pioneers who made it far in the postseason last year, just a year removed from Marley Harris winning a medal for Warren County girls wrestling in 2025.
Over the last three seasons, Warren County has had an individual make the tournament each year.
