West Ridge High School has appointed Joshua Peterson as its new head baseball coach, a move that brings a blend of professional experience and community leadership to the program.
A Coach With Proven Success
Peterson arrives after a distinguished tenure at Volunteer High School, where he guided the team to a 2024 District 2, Region 1-AAA Coach of the Year award and compiled a record that attracted Major League attention.
Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 40th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft, Peterson also showcased his talents in the Australian Baseball League before launching a collegiate career that included stints at Walters State Community College, the University of Tennessee and Milligan College.
Roots in Tennessee
A native of Elizabethton and raised in nearby Blountville, Peterson’s early exposure to baseball was shaped by the rich athletic culture of East Tennessee, a background he credits for his competitive drive and commitment to mentorship.
Peterson’s collegiate achievements include helping Walters State reach the 2013 NJCAA World Series and compiling a 2‑0 record with a 2.45 earned run average for the University of Tennessee in 2014, before concluding his college eligibility at Milligan College.
Now, as he steps onto the West Ridge field, Peterson says his goal is to develop not only skilled athletes but also young men of character, shaping a program that emphasizes both performance and personal growth.