Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) has named Kamrie Connell as the Interim Head Football Coach at Lake Marion High School, entrusting a proven leader and accomplished offensive strategist with leading one of the state's most tradition-rich football programs.
Connell, who joined Lake Marion High School as offensive coordinator in 2024, brings 14 years of varsity coaching experience and a track record of developing successful offenses, building winning programs, and mentoring student-athletes.
A 2009 graduate of Edisto High School, Connell was a four-year varsity letterman and three-year starting quarterback. During his standout high school career, he earned All-Region honors twice, was selected twice to the Times and Democrat All-Area Team, received 2008 Times and Democrat Elite 11 and All-State recognition, and was selected to play in the South Carolina North-South All-Star Game. His accomplishments earned him a football scholarship to North Greenville University.
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Before joining Lake Marion, Connell served as offensive coordinator at Southside High School in Greenville, where he helped guide the program to four region championship game appearances in six seasons. Under his leadership, Southside led the South Carolina High School League in rushing offense in 2018 and passing offense in 2020 during the regular season. Throughout his coaching career, he has helped develop numerous All-Region, All-State, and collegiate football players while mentoring young men on and off the field.
In addition to coaching, Connell serves as an eighth-grade social studies teacher and believes football provides an opportunity to develop character that extends well beyond the game.
"I am excited for the opportunity to continue building a championship-caliber football program while developing young men who will become productive citizens long after graduation," said Connell. "Our program will emphasize Discipline, Accountability, Respect, and Perseverance. These principles will serve as the foundation for everything we do and will prepare our student-athletes to achieve their goals in the classroom, on the field, and throughout life," he said.
Connell's vision for the Gators extends beyond wins and championships. His plan focuses on creating leaders in society by using football as a foundation to change lives, strengthening academics, building accountability, reinvesting in feeder programs, and establishing Lake Marion as a program known for excellence both on and off the field.
Lake Marion High School Principal Sean Glover said Connell's leadership, vision, and commitment to students made him the right choice to guide the program.
"Coach Connell has earned the respect of our student-athletes, coaching staff, and school community through his work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence. His vision extends far beyond football. He understands that our responsibility is to prepare young men to be successful students, leaders, and citizens, and we are excited about the direction of our football program under his leadership," Glover shared.
OCSD Superintendent Dr. Shawn D. Foster said the appointment reflects the district's commitment to selecting leaders who prioritize both competitive excellence and student success.
"Coach Connell exemplifies the type of leader we want serving our students. He understands that athletics are an extension of the classroom and that the lessons learned through football, discipline, accountability, perseverance, and teamwork—help shape future leaders. We are confident he will continue to build a program that reflects the pride of Lake Marion High School and the values of Orangeburg County School District," Dr. Foster shared.
As interim head coach, Connell will lead a program grounded in high expectations, academic achievement, character development, and championship aspirations. His philosophy centers on developing student-athletes who excel in the classroom, compete with integrity, and positively represent Lake Marion High School throughout the community.
