SPRINGFIELD, Va. — A new chapter in high school football has begun with the recent appointment of Darryl Overton as the Director of Football at The St. James Performance Academy. Overton, who has built a strong reputation as one of the best high school football coaches in the country, will also serve as the Head Football Coach for the Academy.
Previously, Overton led successful programs at Freedom High School and Hayfield Secondary School in Virginia. His impressive coaching record speaks for itself: in ten seasons, he achieved an outstanding 103 wins and only 14 losses. Notably, Overton led his teams to back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023 and secured a perfect season with a record of 29-0 in that span.
Throughout his career, Overton has received numerous accolades, including being named District Coach of the Year five times and Region Coach of the Year three times. He has also earned the title of Washington Post All-Met Coach of the Year on two occasions and Virginia State Coach of the Year twice. In 2023, he was honored with the Prince William County Human Rights Commission Award for his leadership and community service.
At The St. James, Overton’s role will involve not only coaching but also establishing high school and middle school football teams, marking the first scholastic football programs for the academy. Overton expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, saying, “The chance to build a football program from the ground up aligned with the vision and capabilities of The St. James is unique. I believe we can help young men grow into outstanding individuals, students, and football players.”
Opened in August 2024, The St. James Performance Academy aims to provide comprehensive development opportunities for student-athletes. With Overton at the helm, the academy is poised to grow its sports offerings significantly. Plans for the future include an open house and evaluation day for football players on February 8 and March 9, respectively.
Elyse Graziano, Chief Sports Officer of The St. James, praised Overton’s dedication and passion for coaching, emphasizing his ability to foster a positive and values-driven culture within the teams he leads. Applications for admission to the academy for the 2025-2026 academic year are currently open.
