Middletown Public Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Dario Highsmith Jr. as the new Head Football Coach at Middletown High School. Highsmith, a 2015 MHS graduate and former Gatorade Connecticut Football Player of the Year (2013-2014), returns to lead the program where he first made his mark as a standout student-athlete.
“Dario's journey from star player to head coach exemplifies the excellence we strive for in Middletown Public Schools," said Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos, Superintendent of Middletown Public Schools. "His homecoming represents our commitment to ‘growing our own’."
Highsmith brings coaching experience from Wesleyan University, where he helped lead the Cardinals to the 2023 NESCAC Championship as Wide Receiver Coach. Under his guidance, several players achieved All-Conference and All-American honors. Prior to Wesleyan, Highsmith coached at Don Bosco Preparatory School.
"Coming home to coach at Middletown High School is a dream come true," said Highsmith. "This program shaped me as both an athlete and person, and now I'm excited to pay that forward. The Highsmith family has deep roots here, and it means the world to us to contribute to the community's future. We're building more than football players—we're developing young leaders who will make a positive impact. This is about legacy and giving back to the place that gave us so much."
After graduating from MHS, Highsmith earned a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from Wesleyan University in 2020. He currently serves as Program Coordinator and Lead Recruiter for Wesleyan Upward Bound, mentoring underrepresented high school students.
Athletic Director Elisha De Jesús added: "Dario understands what it means to be a Blue Dragon. His experience as a player and coach gives him a unique perspective that will greatly benefit our student-athletes. His passion, knowledge, and commitment to their development make him the perfect fit to lead our football program." Highsmith begins his duties immediately and plans to meet the team and start off-season preparations soon.
This article was originally a press release shared with local news media outlets on Thursday, February 27, 2025. That press release, along with other press releases, can be found here: https://www.middletownschools.org/page/communications#WritComms