Alcoa High School in Tennessee has named Justin Ridenour as its new head baseball coach for the 2026 season, bringing a familiar face back to the program that has long been a cornerstone of the community.
A Homecoming for a Young Coach
Ridenour, a 2007 graduate of Alcoa High, first made his mark on the diamond as a standout player before returning to the school in a leadership capacity. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 2012, he honed his coaching skills at Cleveland State Community College before embarking on a series of roles that would shape his managerial philosophy.
His coaching journey began as an assistant at William Blount High School from 2012 to 2018, where he helped develop young talent and contributed to a turnaround in the program’s performance. In 2019 he was appointed head coach at Greenback High School, guiding that team through the 2023 campaign and earning recognition for his strategic acumen and player development.
Most recently, Ridenour served as head coach of the Alcoa Middle School program from 2024 to 2026, where he continued to emphasize fundamentals and teamwork. His reputation for fostering discipline and a deep understanding of the school’s traditions caught the attention of Alcoa’s athletic director, Joshua Stephens, who praised the alum’s ability to blend innovation with respect for the program’s heritage.
Alcoa High School is renowned for its academic rigor and athletic excellence, particularly in football and basketball, where the Tornadoes have captured numerous state titles. The school’s commitment to community spirit and student‑athlete development provides a fertile ground for Ridenour to build on past successes and aim for new milestones on the baseball field.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Ridenour will inherit a roster that blends experienced seniors with promising underclassmen. His vision centers on a balanced approach that prioritizes defensive solidity, situational hitting and a culture of accountability, all while staying true to the values that have defined Alcoa baseball for decades.