New boys basketball coach named at JHS
JOPLIN, Mo. – Joplin Schools is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicholas Pfeifer as the next
head coach of the Joplin High School Boys Basketball team.
Pfeifer currently serves as the head freshmen basketball coach and a physical education and health
teacher at JHS. Prior to his time in Joplin Schools, Pfeifer was the head varsity basketball coach and a
social studies teacher at Erie High School in Erie, Kansas from 2012 to 2022.
He also taught at Carthage High School from 2009 to 2012.
During his time at Erie High School, Pfeifer led the team to two league championships, three 15+
winning seasons, one 21-win season, and back-to-back appearances at state for the first time in 27
years. He was named Sports in Kansas Regional Coach of the year in 2020, and the Parsons Sun
Coach of the Year in 2021.
Pfeifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education/Social Studies from Newman
University, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Emporia State University.
“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to lead the Joplin High School basketball program,” Pfeifer
said. “I cannot wait to expand upon my role in a district that has so many tremendous teachers,
coaches, administrators and student athletes. We will work tirelessly to continue the great tradition and
history of Joplin basketball while creating a style that the people and community of Joplin can be proud
of. Go Eagles!”
Joplin Schools Athletic Director Matt Hiatt said: “As we went through the process of selecting the next leader for our boys basketball program, Coach Pfeifer stood out as the ideal candidate for this position not only because of his previous experiences but also his plan for the future of Joplin Basketball.”
“Nick’s commitment to developing outstanding young men coupled with his passion to improve our
basketball program by engaging stakeholders at all levels align with the district’s vision for all of our
athletic programs. I look forward to working closely with Coach Pfeifer to continue to build a
championship basketball program in our community.”
Coach Pfeifer will assume his new role immediately.