With excitement and anticipation for a new and promising chapter of our 135 years of school history in Natchitoches, St. Mary’s Catholic School (SMS) announces the following to our local community.
Effective Thursday, March 9, Coach Stephen Wren was appointed interim principal of SMS by the Chancellor, Reverend Father Irion St. Romain, and confirmed by the Superintendant of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Alexandria, Mr. Tommy Roque.
Coach Wren joined the SMS faculty in 2017 as the Head Softball Coach and the Defensive Coordinator for the football team. During his tenure, Coach Wren has earned District 3-1A Softball Coach of the Year honors and was named the Louisiana Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Month in October 2020.
In 2019, he was appointed Assistant Principal of SMS. Coach Wren has twenty-three years of Catholic school education, leadership, and coaching experience, including eight years at St. Louis Catholic School in Lake Charles and nine years at Opelousas Catholic School. At Opelousas Catholic, he was the Department Head for High School History, the Head Softball and Soccer Coach, and the Defensive Coordinator for the football team. Awards received during his tenure there include the St. Landry Parish Soccer Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2005, the Division III, District 6 Soccer Coach of the Year in 2004, the District 6-2A Softball Coach of the Year for 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012. He was awarded the All-Acadiana Softball Coach of the Year and the LSWA 2A Softball State Coach of the Year in 2010. In 2013, he was recognized as the Opelousas Catholic School Secondary Teacher of the Year and the American Legion Post 45 Educator of the Year.
While at St. Louis Catholic School, he continued to build his leadership experience as the Head Baseball Coach, Head Softball Coach, Assistant Soccer Coach, Defensive Coordinator for football, and Assistant Athletic Director. He also taught Civics and World History.
Coach Wren received his Bachelor of Arts in History from McNeese State University and his Masters of Science in Education with a Specialty in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He and his wife, Leslie, have two daughters, Grace and Ava, who both attend St Mary’s School, and he also has an older son, Blake, who attends McNeese State University studying Medicine. Coach Wren and his family are members of The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church.
When asked about his appointment of Coach Wren as interim-principal, Chancellor Fr. St. Romain said, “I’m grateful to Coach Wren’s willingness to step into this leadership role for our school. I have every confidence in his ability, and I look forward to a more in-depth working relationship with him to support our students, faculty, and staff.”
Upon hearing the news of Coach Wren’s appointment as interim-principal, Associate Pastor of MBIC, SMS faculty member, and Religion Department Chair, Fr. Derek Ducote said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Coach Wren this year. His spirit is one of hard work and willingness to serve wherever needed. His presence in the school halls evokes discipline from the students and support as a fellow teacher. It’s a great day to be a Tiger!”
“I am thankful for the opportunity given to me by Mr. Roque and Fr. St. Romain. St. Mary’s has become a very special place to me over the last six years. The faculty, staff, students, and community are second to none, and I look forward to working together to uphold the high standards and long tradition of excellence that St. Mary’s is known for. “
Coach Wren succeeds Mr. Jason Lachica, who served as SMS Principal for the past two academic years. Upon Mr. Lachica’s resignation last Thursday, Chancellor, Fr. St Romain, Superintendant Mr. Roque, and the entire Church and School Family wish him all the best as he pursues future endeavors.
