Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Blacksburg High School has a new head football coach.
Phillip Reece was introduced to the public last week during a ceremony in the school’s auditorium.
Athletic Director Nikki Sellers said the future of the school’s football program is bright, and she could not be more excited about the direction they are headed.
“I am confident that our student-athletes, coaches, parents, alumni and fans will be inspired by his vision, commitment to excellence, and certainly by his energy,” said Sellers.
Reece is a familiar face to Blacksburg fans as he has served as an assistant coach at the school for the past six years and managed its strength and conditioning program.
“[I am] extremely proud, extremely excited for the future and what lies ahead for Blacksburg football next year,” he said. “I think it’s about fighting adversity, overcoming challenges. Football has never been easy. The progression is never linear. You’re going to have ups and downs. Teaching the kids to be able through four quarters of football, playing our brand, playing at a high intensity and then finishing at the end. That is something I look to bring here.”
He said getting stronger will be a key for the program.
“My 25 years of playing and coaching football, along with my years in law enforcement and social work, have prepared me to lead, mentor, and elevate the players here at Blacksburg High School,” Reece said.
Aside from his coaching duties, Reece works as a substitute teacher in the Montgomery County school system. He is a graduate of Graham High School and the University of Virginia’s College of Wise. Before coaching at Blacksburg High, Reece was an assistant coach at both Graham and Blacksburg middle schools.
departing Zach Leonard, who led the team to a 5-5 record and a trip to the postseason this past season. Reece said his familiarity with the program and working with Leonard is a key to its success.
“I have a great familiarity with the staff and players, and that will keep things rolling,” he said.
The new coach also hopes to increase the program’s overall numbers. He pointed to the fact Blacksburg High has a large student enrollment, and he would like to see 20 players per class, dotting his roster.
His team’s identity, according to Reece, will be tough physical play.
“We lost a lot of close games this past year, and I want to change that.”
A big plus for Reece and Blacksburg is the return of quarterback Sam Szefc from a season ending-injury in Week 4 this past year.
Blacksburg will being summer workouts in late July and will open the 2026 season Aug. 28 at home against Giles.
