Carolyn Jackson, born on December 26, 1951, established herself as a prominent figure in high school sports, dedicating her career to coaching girls’ basketball and volleyball at Brainerd High School in Chattanooga. Jackson began her coaching journey in basketball in 1973, a role she passionately filled until 2013. In addition to basketball, she coached volleyball from 1975 to 1989. Throughout her tenure, Jackson achieved remarkable success, most notably accumulating 985 basketball victories.

Jackson's expertise and dedication did not go unnoticed, leading her team to win the prestigious TSSAA Girls State Basketball Championship in 1984. Her exceptional coaching skills earned her the TACA Coach of the Year honor 16 times throughout her illustrious career. Jackson's contributions extended beyond the court; she also served as a TSSAA volleyball official for over 20 years. This multifaceted engagement with high school sports underlines her deep commitment to the athletic development of young athletes.

In recognition of her service and outstanding achievements, the gymnasium at Brainerd High School was named the “Jackson-High” gymnasium, sharing this honor with fellow Hall of Famer Robert High. Jackson's dedication to excellence in sports and her contributions to the TSSAA were further acknowledged through accolades such as the TSSAA A. F. Bridges Award as an official. Additionally, she was a three-time recipient of the “Scrappy Moore Award” (1984, 1994, 1998), showcasing her exceptional coaching prowess.

Beyond her immediate coaching realm, Carolyn Jackson has left an indelible mark on the sports community, evidenced by her inclusion in the Brainerd High School Hall of Fame and the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame. Her induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2020 serves as a testament to her significant contributions and lasting impact on high school sports in Tennessee, celebrating a career that transcended the conventional boundaries of coaching and officiating.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2020
Category: Coach