By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
On Thursday afternoon at the Stanhope Elmore High School gym, four Mustang athletes in three different sports signed to continue their athletic careers in colleges. Volleyball player Abby Miller and soccer player Trent Wineburg signed with Huntington College in Montgomery. SEHS baseball’s Tyler Woodham signed with Wallace State and Jackson Stallworth signed with Pensacola State.
Abby Miller (softball) – Huntingdon College
SEHS Volleyball Coach Flavia Freeney described Miller as one of the hardest working players on the team and stated that the program’s success is because of players like her. She also mentioned that Miller’s family has been a phenomenal support system during her career at SEHS.
“Being so close to family is a reason I chose Huntingdon,” said Miller. “They are very family oriented and it’s important being close to them. I went on maybe 12 visits since they’re so close, but I went on an official visit in the summer.”
Miller plans to major in Sports Management and hopes to play on the Hawks’ court and beach volleyball team.
Trent Wineburg (soccer) – Huntingdon College
SEHS Soccer Coach Richie Beyer has known and coached Wineburg since the senior was a kid, and he has had the opportunity to watch the Mustangs’ goalkeeper flourish. Wineburg has played in the goal for the varsity team since his freshman season. Coach Beyer said that Wineburg is grounded in his faith and that faith centers him.
Prior to signing, Wineburg shared an impressive message about God’s love and encouraged everyone to trust in God’s plan.
Wineburg described why he chose Huntingdon to continue his soccer career. “Being that local, and close to my family, it really helps me with going to seminary after and staying connected with my local church. My first visit to Huntingdon was about a year ago, and then I visited again and committed.”
He also plans to major in Sports Management and hopes to be a starter by his Sophomore season.
Jackson Stallworth (baseball) – Pensacola State Junior College
SEHS Baseball Principal Ewell Fuller described Stallworth as a quiet warrior. Head Baseball Coach Kaleb Shuman described how Stallworth wasn’t able to pitch most of his junior season due to injury but improved enough to take the mound for the Mustangs in the 1st round of the playoffs and almost led Stanhope Elmore to an upset win.
Stallworth joked that Coach Shuman, “gets on my butt, but always pushes me to get better.”
“Shoutout to my head travel ball coach, Travis, and if it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have the offer from Pensacola State, but they were one of the first schools to offer me,” said Stallworth. “I went on a visit and I really liked the place. It’s down by the beach, I like that.”
Stallworth plans to major in Environmental Science and hopes to move on to a Division 1 school after a couple years at Pensacola State JC.
Tyler Woodham (baseball) – Wallace State Community College
Coach Shuman described Woodham as a fun-loving and funny kid off the field, but that he “flips a switch” and transforms into an ultimate competitor when he takes the mound.
“I chose Wallace State because the coaches really believed in me and showed me that they wanted me, and it really felt like a family. I enjoyed talking to the coaches. I felt like we bonded over text, so when I got there, it felt like I knew them. I visited once and I knew it was the place for me.”
Woodham plans to major in Physical Therapy and hopes to transfer to Auburn or another Division 1 school after playing for Wallace State for a year or two.
