JACKSON, Miss. - Belhaven Women's Soccer is bringing back a familiar name, adding former Blazer Thomas Blake to the staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2026 season.

Blake returns to Jackson after a stop at East Central Community College, where he was part of a staff that earned Men's Staff of the Year honors in 2025. He worked with both programs there, helping run training sessions, evaluate recruits, and stay involved in day-to-day player development.

Before that, Blake spent time at the high school level, leading both the boys and girls programs at DeSoto Central High School. He also held the same role at Caledonia High School. Along the way, he stayed active on the club side with Jackson Futbol Club, Tupelo Futbol Club, and Lobos Rush, and worked with the Mississippi Olympic Development Program.

His return to Belhaven comes with some built-in familiarity. Blake finished his college career with the Blazers after transferring from Itawamba Community College, spending two seasons as a goalkeeper and earning NCCAA All-Region honors. He later played a season with Mississippi Brilla FC in USL League Two.

Blake graduated from Belhaven in 2019 with a degree in History and completed his Master's in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State in 2024. He also holds a U.S. Soccer Federation D License.