Rodgers named the new MHS head baseball coach

Midlothian ISD has named Ryan Rodgers the new head baseball coach at Midlothian High School following Coach Ray Hydes' retirement. Rodgers will step into his role this week in time to prepare for the 2024-25 school year.

“After interviewing three highly qualified candidates, the interview committee is proud to announce Ryan Rodgers as the next Head Baseball Coach at Midlothian High School,” said MISD Athletic Director Todd York. “Ryan has been an assistant coach at MHS for 20 years and those teams qualified for the playoffs in at least 18 of those seasons. We believe he will continue the tradition and high expectations of the 2024 District Co-champion Panther baseball program.”

Rodgers joined MISD in 2004 and has taught Principles of Business, Marketing and Finance, and Business English at MHS and The MILE while serving as the assistant baseball coach, JV baseball coach, and assistant football coach for MHS. He obtained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration/Business Management from Howard Payne University.

Rodgers is excited for the opportunity to lead the Panther Baseball program. "I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the new head baseball coach of the Midlothian High School Panthers,” said Rodgers. “As a former player and someone who has been coaching in the program for the past 20 years, this opportunity means the world to me. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of administration, my fellow coaches, and most importantly, the players and their families.”

Rodgers went on to say, “Having experienced the program from multiple perspectives, I am even more enthusiastic about the potential we have. I've seen firsthand the dedication and talent of our student-athletes, and I am eager to build upon our successes. My goal is to continue fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship within our team. Together, with the continued support of the community, I am confident that we will achieve great things on and off the field. I look forward to this new chapter and the opportunity to lead these young men as we strive for continued growth and success. Go Panthers!"

The Midlothian High School baseball program has experienced great success under the leadership of Coach Hydes, who served as head coach for 26 years, with the support of Rodgers. The team has advanced to the playoffs in the last 20 of 22 years, won seven District Championships titles, advanced to regional semifinals twice, regional quarter-finals three times, area finalist seven times and bi-district 20 times. Hydes was named the 2019 Ellis County Coach of the Year and in 2024 he was inducted into the Midlothian Hall of Honor. His 2014 season of 28 wins and only six losses set a school record. 

MISD thanks Coach Ray Hydes for his leadership, lasting impact, and commitment to the students and families he has served throughout his MHS career. We congratulate him on his retirement and welcome Coach Rodgers as the new head coach.