Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Stanhope Elmore baseball will turn to veteran coach Wade Atchley to lead the program next year. Atchley has been around the Millbrook area for a long time. He has been an assistant baseball coach at Stanhope Elmore for the last six seasons. But he has been in the Millbrook community going back more than 30 years. Atchley coached many of the players from the 2006 state championship team when they were 5 years old and up until they got into high school. His son was on that 2006 state championship team, and he recognizes the importance of the job in this community.
“I’ve been a part of this community since 1994, at the time coaching Dixie Youth Baseball at the old Millbrook baseball fields behind the Village Green. I coached with baseball dads like Scott and Bubba Adams. It’s hard to believe some 32 years later I would be at the helm of what without a doubt is one of the most storied baseball programs in the state of Alabama. To know I am following in the footsteps of Mickey McCullough, Rick Samsal, and of course the late Hank Furlow, as well as those that followed, means I have some big shoes to fill. And let’s not forget, Hall of Famer Joe Mason will be looking over my shoulder daily to remind me what is at hand. So, I would by lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous and excited at the same time,” said Atchley.
The Mustangs will lose several important seniors from this past seasons’ team, but they will return a group that will be capable of advancing deep for another playoff run. The Mustangs will turn to pitchers Cooper Mitchell and Davis Foshee who had success in 2026, as well as starting catcher Tristen Wilson and infielders Noah Allen and Braden Smith.
“Since 2022, we have been on a stellar run of post season appearances with one first round, one second round, one elite eight, and two semi-finals under our belt. So, the expectations continue to be high as they should. But also comes the reality that every team is different year to year, and when you have lost the number of players we have over that period, a very young roster will be in play for a couple of upcoming seasons,” said Atchley.
The Mustangs’ baseball team will be working with the Millbrook Mens’ Club on July 3 and 4 for a few hours passing out meals. A heavy involvement in community is a big emphasis for the new coach because of his history in Millbrook.
“This is a program built on traditions. We have started to teach them to understand why community involvement is important. This program was built way before us, and our job is to keep holding the standards and values that we have inherited,” said Atchley.
