A Fresh Coaching Era at Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College announced this week that Brad Powell has been named its new baseball coach, stepping into the role after the retirement of Johnny Wiggs, who led the program for two decades and earned recognition as an NJCAA Hall of Famer.
Powell arrives with a strong background in player development, having served as pitching coach at the University of Arkansas‑Pine Bluff and later at Northwest Florida State College, where his staff helped the team reach its first Junior College World Series appearance in nine years.
Chanda Stebbins, the college’s athletic director, praised Powell’s energy and his ability to work with limited resources, noting that his Florida connections should prove vital as the school expands its facilities and seeks top talent.
Doug Martin, who mentored Powell during his time at Northwest Florida State, retired this spring after an 18‑year head‑coaching career, leaving a legacy that Powell says has shaped his coaching philosophy and approach to recruiting.
The appointment marks the fourth leadership change in the college’s baseball history, and observers expect Powell’s recruiting skills and dynamic style to drive continued growth and success for the program.