Kenny Epps, varsity girls soccer head coach, was recently named athletic director (effective July 1). After five years as AD with considerable accomplishments during his tenure, Keith Hatcher will transition to the Advancement office to enhance outreach with alumni and other constituents while developing resources for athletic programs and facilities. He will remain as varsity football head coach.

Of the incoming coaching staff, Epps said, “We are extremely excited about the direction of our basketball and wrestling programs with the new hires. With this group of coaches comes a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree that will not only help our student-athletes achieve at a higher level athletically, but also guide them as they navigate through life after Mount de Sales.”

Kimberly Laguines – Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach

Georgia native Kimberly Laguines is in her 15th year of coaching basketball, with extensive experience in public and private school settings. She was most recently the varsity girls basketball assistant coach and JV girls head coach at Warner Robins High School. Previously, she was the varsity girls head coach at Central Fellowship Christian Academy and has held track and tennis coaching positions.

Laguines is ready to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the program. “I absolutely love the game of basketball, and I hope to transfer that passion, energy, and love to my players while serving in the role of head girls basketball coach. My goal is to create and develop well-rounded players on the court as well as in the community and classroom,” said Laguines.

Laguines will also join the Upper School science faculty. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and a master’s in science education. She and her husband, Fredrick, have three daughters, Mahalia, Makai, and Marley.

Deion Taylor – Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach

Deion Taylor hails from New Orleans and brings to the MDS athletics program his experience as a former college athlete for the University of Richmond, where he played basketball on a full scholarship. As an assistant varsity basketball coach at his alma mater, St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Taylor helped coach the team to a 2021 LHSAA Division I Basketball State Championship. Taylor was a successful high school athlete and played on the 2012 St. Augustine state championship team as a power forward. Prior to coaching at St. Augustine, he was head varsity basketball coach at St. Mary’s Middle School.

Taylor said, “I am very excited and honored to be a part of the Mount de Sales program. My goal is to bring in a winning culture to the program and push players to reach their fullest potential as young men, on and off the court.”

Taylor earned his political science degree from the University of Richmond and will join the Middle School history faculty.

Carsten Franklin – Wrestling Head Coach, all divisions

Carsten Franklin returns to Mount de Sales after a three-year stint as a teacher and coach at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans. At Brother Martin, Franklin captured two Division I state wrestling titles as a varsity assistant coach and one Louisiana junior high state team title as the head coach. Franklin also served on the varsity football staff as linebackers coach. He helped coach the varsity and junior high track and field teams to a New Orleans Catholic League title and LHSAA region title in 2021.

At Mount de Sales, Franklin developed the wrestling program, which saw great success under his leadership with five straight GHSA State Duals Elite 8 finishes and area championships in both duals and traditional. The 2017 team was the highest in school history and achieved the highest placement of any team in Bibb Co. Franklin was named Region Coach of Year in 2012 and nominated for GHSA Coach of Year in 2017.

The wrestling program has continued to achieve success and Franklin returns to continue the legacy “built on the foundations of hard work, accountability, and community.” He hopes that “all our athletes and community constituents learn through our words and actions that God loves them.”

Franklin holds a bachelor’s in international studies from Louisiana State University and will teach Upper School history. He and his wife, Lesley Anne, look forward to settling down in Macon.

Approach to Athletics

Mount de Sales takes a holistic, student-centered approach to its athletics program and encourages athletes to participate in a variety of sports throughout the year. Coaches develop committed athletes and inspire young men and women to become outstanding citizens with knowledge, character, and discipline. The Academy has a long history of success and of fielding competitive teams, and the positive impact on the lives of students is paramount. The school’s competitive spirit is balanced by its commitment to fair play. Mount de Sales employs coaches with a student-focused mindset and considerable experience, and the 2021-2022 additions round out the coaching staff’s collective talent.