Another one of Fort Stockton’s very own is taking the helm of an athletic program at the high school level.

Fort Stockton native and 1984 FSHS graduate Lea Daggett was named the Fort Stockton head girls basketball coach last week.

Daggett joins head football coach and athletic director Jeremy Hickman as natives of Fort Stockton/FSHS graduates that were hired as head coaches of Fort Stockton High School athletic programs in the past 60 days.

Daggett brings a plethora of experience and familiarity to his new role. The Angelo State University graduate has been the first varsity assistant with the team for the past eight years.

“As we were going through the interview process coach Daggett had a good feel for the program and had good beat on what was needed for our girls,” Hickman said. “He had a plan from the middle school up. I was very impressive with his plan of action to improve the program.”

When the girls head coaching job opened up after Sherman Chew departed to take over the Odessa High girls basketball program, Daggett knew the timing was right and seized the opportunity.

“I thought this is the perfect opportunity for me and to spend my time helping these young ladies to get better,” Daggett said. “I care about the program and care about the girls. I wanted to see if I could help these kids to get to the next level, use some of our strengths that I’ve seen over the years develop.”

Daggett, who is also a freshman football coach and the head golf coach the past six years, has coached nearly every sport offered during his time in education.

Daggett started his teaching/coaching career in Menard in 1991 and made stops during his time in education in El Paso, Kermit, Big Spring, Needville, and Tulsa, Oklahoma before arriving in Fort Stockton 16 years ago.

The native of the city also co-owns a pair of ranches (Marsh Lea and Daggett) outside of town with his brother.

“That’s what also brought me back this way (originally). My brother and I inherited a ranch. I just wanted to be back here and see my family, take care of our family ranch that has been passed down about 115 years. I don’t plan on leaving”