Title: Southeast Representative

Email:  akinsm@whitehallsd.org

School: White Hall High School

Bio:

Mark Akins grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he developed a love for all sports and especially excelled in baseball. He moved to White Hall as a sophomore and continued competing in both basketball and baseball. In 1991, he was selected to the All-Star Baseball Games before continuing his athletic career at Westark Community College. He later transferred to the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), where he completed his playing career and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education in 1997.

His coaching journey began at Rison, where he led junior high girls basketball and slow-pitch softball during the 1997–1998 school year. From there, he moved to White Hall Junior High, serving from 1998 to 2002 in various roles including junior high football (receivers, defensive backs, quarterbacks, and defensive ends), head junior high girls basketball coach, assistant boys basketball coach, and assistant high school baseball coach.

After a six-year stint with Union Pacific Railroad (2002–2008), Mark returned to education and found his passion in fastpitch softball. Now entering his 18th year coaching fastpitch at White Hall High School, he has been instrumental in the program’s success. As an assistant coach, he helped lead the Bulldogs to three consecutive 5A State Championships from 2012 to 2014. Under his tenure, White Hall has qualified for the fastpitch state tournament every year except 2024, a testament to the program's consistency and strength.

Mark's wife, Teresa (Teri), has dedicated 31 years to education as a teacher and counselor at two elementary schools within the White Hall School District. Their oldest daughter was recently married, and their youngest has just completed her first year teaching elementary school in the Bryant School District.