Santa Fe College announced this week that Brad Powell has been appointed as the new head coach of its baseball program, tapping a coach whose recent work at Northwest Florida State College reshaped a once‑moribund junior‑college powerhouse.
A Proven Track Record
Powell’s résumé includes a stint as pitching coach at Arkansas Pine Bluff, where in a single season he guided the staff to a school‑record 375 strikeouts. His four‑year tenure at Northwest Florida State College restored national prominence, culminating in the program’s first Junior College World Series appearance in nine years in 2025.
Player Development and Draft Success
Under Powell’s guidance, ace pitcher Mack Estrada earned Panhandle Conference Pitcher of the Year honors and was selected in the MLB draft by the New York Yankees. Three additional pitchers from the roster committed to Division I programs, underscoring the coach’s ability to translate college performance into professional opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Powell expressed enthusiasm about building on Santa Fe’s storied history and becoming an integral part of the Gainesville community. He succeeds Johnny Wiggs, who retired after the 2026 season, and is expected to blend his national connections with local talent to sustain the program’s upward trajectory.