Izzy Higginbottom, a Batesville native and former University of Arkansas standout, has been hired as an assistant coach for girls basketball and softball at Southside Charter High School, the school announced Friday.
Higginbottom joins the Southside staff following a tenure as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma State University.
The hiring brings a premier talent back to the region. During her 2024-25 season with the University of Arkansas, Higginbottom led the Southeastern Conference in scoring, averaging 24.4 points per game. Her collegiate career was marked by elite precision, including a 90.6 percent free-throw average that ranked among the best in the nation.
“We’re looking forward to the energy, leadership, and dedication she’ll bring to our student-athletes,” Southside officials said in a statement.
Higginbottom’s local legacy includes leading Batesville High School to a 2019 Class 4A State Championship and setting a state record with 57 points in a single tournament game.

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