About us
The Mississippi Coaches Alliance (MCA) is a faith-based partnership dedicated to fostering community outreach, safety awareness, cultural sensitivity, organizational development, and leadership through coaching and athletics. MCA supports athletic communities across Mississippi by providing training, financial assistance, team building opportunities, fellowship, and outreach programs. One of the organization’s signature events is the “We Up Regional Combine,” a regional football combine designed to support student-athletes—particularly those in Jackson Public Schools—through skill development, direct instruction, and increased exposure. At the combine, participants are coached and mentored by a team of volunteer coaches who are committed to helping youth thrive both on and off the field. The event is part of MCA’s broader mission to rejuvenate athletics in underserved communities and to emphasize quality performance measures while motivating young athletes to strive for excellence in all areas of competition.
Meet the MCA board members
Get to know the dedicated individuals who guide the Mississippi Coaches Alliance. Our board members bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to fostering community outreach, safety awareness, and organizational development within Mississippi's coaching community.
Meet our team
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of educators, medical and law enforcement professionals, and business leaders, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our mission.
CJ McLain
Founder/Executive Director
CJ McLain was originally a product of the Jackson Public School District, where he attended John Hopkins Elementary and Northwest Middle School attended Lovejoy High School in McDonough, Georgia, for two years before graduating from Madison Central High School in Madison, Mississippi. During his time at Madison Central, he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, earning letters in football, basketball, and track. As a senior, he was honored with a selection for the prestigious MS/AL All-Star Game. Following high school, he continued his athletic career by playing collegiate football for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Over the course of his four-year career, he was named to the All-SEC Team in multiple seasons and was recognized nationally as a Finalist for the Dick Butkus Award twice. McLain received the Team Leadership Award at the conclusion of his senior year. After completing his collegiate career, Mr. McLain went on to play professional football for eight years in the Arena Football League, representing teams based in Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Dallas. He concluded his professional career with stints in Arena Football 2, playing for teams in Little Rock and Tulsa. During this time, he achieved significant milestones, including being named League MVP and securing a World Championship in 2007. Since retiring from professional football in 2011, Mr. McLain has built a distinguished career as a coach, trainer, and sales professional. Additionally, he is an active member of Word of Life Church and dedicates much of his time to community service and family activities. In 2021, Mr. McLain married his wife, Katelynne, and together they have three children in their home. He is also a proud father of six children who have participated in youth, middle school, high school, and collegiate sports. Mr. McLain is the founder of the Mississippi Coaches Alliance, an initiative driven by his dedication to creating opportunities for student-athletes. His focused and determined leadership has positively influenced countless lives within the sports communities of Arkansas and Mississippi. Through his efforts, he continues to inspire and support the next generation of athletes and coaches.
Wint McGee
President
Wint McGee is the Producing Branch Manager with Luminate Bank in Ridgeland, MS. He proudly serves clients across Mississippi and the surrounding states with expertise and dedication. McGee is a graduate of Madison Ridgeland Academy, where he excelled as a student-athlete, earning letters in football, track, soccer, and basketball. During his collegiate years, he played four seasons of soccer, representing both Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS, and Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. After completing college, Wint devoted his time to coaching youth sports, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm through various basketball, football, and soccer organizations. He finds immense joy in giving back to the sports that played a pivotal role in shaping his life. He is an active member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS, and remains deeply engaged within the Ridgeland community. He contributes his time and expertise by serving on the Board of Directors for the Madison County Business League, as well as being a Board Member for The Madison County Economic Development Authority. One of his greatest passions is spending quality time with his wife and boys, cherishing family moments. Beyond his professional responsibilities and community involvement, Wint is deeply passionate about promoting financial education. He regularly organizes and leads workshops and seminars designed to help individuals and families gain a clearer understanding of mortgage options, effective budgeting strategies, and the many advantages of homeownership. His unwavering dedication to equipping clients with financial knowledge demonstrates his strong commitment to enhancing lives and fostering economic growth within the communities he serves. This combination of professional excellence and personal involvement truly sets him apart as a leader and advocate for the people he works with.
Keith Barnes
Vice President
Keith Barnes is a distinguished professional with a strong background in education, athletics, and leadership. A graduate of Madison Ridgeland High School, Mr. Barnes excelled as a student-athlete and went on to achieve exceptional success in basketball at Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, MS. Recognized as one of the most accomplished players in Tougaloo's history, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the institution. He later enhanced his academic credentials by obtaining a Master of Science degree from Jackson State University. Drawing on both his academic background and his extensive experience as a player, Mr. Barnes has made significant contributions in various leadership roles. At St. Joseph Catholic School, he served as Athletic Director, Math Teacher, and Varsity Basketball Coach, ultimately becoming the school’s principal. His professional career further encompasses impactful tenures at organizations such as Inroads/MS-Inroads Southeast Region, Virginia College, and The Kirkland Group. Currently, he holds the dual roles of Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball Team at his alma mater, Tougaloo College. Mr. Barnes’s extensive achievements go beyond the classroom and the court. His career accolades include coaching the #7 AAU basketball team in the nation (2008), leading multiple District VI Championship teams for both boys and girls, and being recognized as District VI Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2010. Additionally, he has served as Chairman of the Mentorship Committee for the Bethlehem Center’s Men of Distinction program in Nashville, TN. His leadership and dedication have earned him recognition as one of the Young Leaders of America (sponsored by United Way) and the Mother Catherine McCauley Co-Teacher of the Year. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Barnes is deeply committed to community service. He serves as Chairman of the Deacon Board and a Sunday School Teacher at Ridley Hill Baptist Church in Madison, MS. Mr. Barnes and his wife Laurie are proud parents of three children who have excelled in high school, collegiate, and professional sports. His passion for education, mentorship, and student development has enabled him to guide numerous individuals in achieving excellence not only in athletics but also across various professional fields. His legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering leadership, discipline, and success among those under his tutelage.
Bernard Moore III
Treasurer
Bernard's passion for sports began while playing youth sports in his neighborhood as a child. His deep love for athletics and competition grew from those early days when he spent countless hours honing his skills and teamwork alongside his peers. His diverse sports background includes baseball, basketball, football, and track, showcasing his dedication to mastering various disciplines. At Jackson State University, Bernard retired from football due to medical reasons, an unexpected turn that altered his plans. But his change of luck led him to serve as the team's equipment manager where he was able to garner relationships with many professionals in the sports industry, connections that would prove invaluable later in his career. Through those relationships Bernard earned an internship with the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars, gaining firsthand insights into the inner workings of professional sports organizations. After receiving his degree (Recreation Administration; minor Physical Education), Bernard took time away from the sports industry to pursue other opportunities. However, he quickly realized his passion was sports management and he founded Moore & Moore Sports Management LLC. He obtained his Master’s in Sports Management from Jackson State University, demonstrating his commitment to advancing his expertise in the field, while serving as a minister at Zion Travelers MB Church, balancing his professional and personal responsibilities. Mr. Moore currently works as a recruiter for the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, where he dedicates himself to making a meaningful impact. Bernard is married and he is the proud father of two young men who inspire him daily. He also works with local high schools and youth sports in the community and is pursuing his Doctoral degree in Sports Leadership, further cementing his role as a leader and advocate within the sports world.
Joel Walker Sturgeon
Secretary
Joel was born in the historic river city of Natchez, Mississippi, a place rich in cultural heritage, and attended high school at DeSoto Central located in Southaven, Mississippi. He later enrolled at the University of Mississippi, where he became a standout student-athlete, playing football while earning the prestigious five-time SEC Scholar Athlete honors. Joel successfully graduated from Ole Miss with dual degrees in history and Southern Studies, showcasing his passion for understanding the region’s deep and complex past. He went on to complete his master’s in history at the distinguished University of Alabama before returning to his beloved Mississippi to further his academic journey, finishing his Ph.D. Joel is also known for his passionate advocacy and unwavering, Mississippi-centric social activism, particularly in supporting HBCUs and strengthening ties of fellowship between deeply divided communities, fostering unity where it was once fractured. During his undergraduate years, long before he explored the realm of publication, he spoke and tirelessly lobbied for the rightful cause of changing the now-retired Mississippi 1894 Flag. As a dedicated football player for the University of Mississippi, he even approached then-head coach Hugh Freeze, persuading him to endorse the state’s prior Magnolia Flag (which ultimately received his support). Joel also worked to personally win over many initially resistant Mississippians to the cause of change, including securing the endorsement of several influential policymakers in the state house and senate.
Dr. Amanda Rice MD
Director
Director Amanda Rice is originally from Jackson, MS but relocated to Madison County and is a graduate of Madison Central High School, where she lettered in basketball, track, and softball. She was selected to play on the 1997 MS/AL all-star team and continued her basketball and softball career playing varsity at Mississippi College where she was named Team Captain for two consecutive years. She completed her undergraduate degree at Mississippi College and completed medical school at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Due to her southern roots and spiritual calling to return home, she returned to Mississippi to complete a family medicine residency at University of Mississippi Medical Center and continued serving patients in the community. She currently serves as Chief Medical Officer at G. A. Carmichael Family Health Center and works as staff physician and assistant professor at University of Mississippi Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program. She is currently a member of the American Board of Family Physicians, MS board of family Medicine, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, Black Women of Academic Medicine, and the American College of Healthcare Executives. She enjoys youth sports as she and her husband have assisted with sponsorships of many teams in the metro area. She also enjoys working diligently with her church ministry in music and with youth. She loves spending time with her husband and her 3 children who have been or are currently student athletes. Her passion is to see youth succeed and excel toward their dreams.
Jeffrey Parker
Director
Director Jeffrey Parker attended Madison Central High School, where he proudly served as an athletic trainer for both the football and basketball teams. During his time there, he honed his skills and passion for sports medicine while supporting student athletes in their physical preparation and recovery. He went on to further his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education, and recreation at Jackson State University, located in Jackson, MS. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his extensive career in athletic training and youth development. As a professional, he has held the role of Head Athletic Trainer for the Memphis Blasts (Memphis, TN), where he was pivotal in managing the health and performance of the team. Additionally, he served as a counselor at Youth Villages in Memphis, TN, providing guidance and support to young individuals, and worked as an advisor at the Mississippi Children's Home in Jackson, MS, where he contributed to the well-being and development of children in need. Parker has also made significant contributions in the Central MS area through his work with organizations such as Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center (Jackson, MS). He has also extended his expertise to Jackson State University and Tougaloo College, reinforcing his commitment to the well-being and success of student athletes. With his wealth of experience and dedication, Parker has demonstrated a tremendous ability to provide exceptional care and treatment for student athletes, ensuring their physical health and athletic potential are maximized.
James Davis
Director
Director James Davis is the founder of the 2240 Foundation and Davis Plumbing Services LLC. Mr. Davis is a graduate of the Jackson Public School System and Hind Community College where he earned his associate degree in interdisciplinary studies. He went on to attend Jackson State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. In 2012, Davis began his journey as a mentor for at-risk children. His commitment to making a positive impact led him to engage in activities to support and uplift these young individuals. Davis provided invaluable assistance through tutoring, serving as mentor, and recognizing academic excellence among the students under his care. In 2013, Davis partnered with the Jackson Freedom League, collaborating to construct a water well in a village in need located in West Ghana. This joint effort aimed to provide clean and accessible water to the community, addressing a critical need and making a positive impact on their lives. In recognition of his contributions to the community, he was honored with the Community Builders Award in 2015. In 2016, Davis established the King of Kings National Youth Football Tournament and went on to create the First Mississippi State youth football Tournament, the Mississippi Youth Bowl Champion Series. Davis received an award at City Hall for his achievement of bringing 3,000 individuals to the city of Jackson during his James Davis Youth All-Star Pro Bowl event. Davis and his wife Tanya have three sons Nicholas, Brandon, and Kameron.