Southwest Mississippi Bears Prepare for 2026 Baseball Season
Southwest Mississippi will begin its 2026 baseball season on Thursday. Head coach Jack Edmonson, in his fifth year leading the Bears, hopes to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year and for the third time in his tenure. Last season, the team finished with a 14-14 conference record, according to Edmonson.
“I’m really excited for this season,” Edmonson said. “We have a lot of depth on the mound and a very explosive lineup. We’re looking to have a good year and get back to the playoffs. We believe we have the team to do that. We just need everyone to come together.”
Edmonson highlighted sophomore pitchers Rhyson Carroway, Nik Carney, and Matt Newman as key contributors. Carroway, from Shreveport, Louisiana, posted a 4-4 record with a 3.54 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 56 innings last season. Carney, from Columbia, Mississippi, had a 1-3 record with 31 strikeouts in 31.2 innings. Newman, from Brookhaven, Mississippi, did not play in 2025 due to injury but is expected to make an immediate impact this season.
The team also looks to freshmen Wyatt Garrett, Dom Smith, and Andrew Hoff for support and depth on the mound. Edmonson praised the top four hitters in the lineup: Tanner Moore, Cam Bolden, Justin Domiano, and Robbie Hokamp. Moore, from Pearl, Mississippi, batted .212 with seven RBIs, 14 runs, and 15 stolen bases last season. Bolden, from New Orleans, Louisiana, batted .237 with 21 RBIs, 35 runs, and 32 stolen bases in 57 games. Domiano, from Hammond, Louisiana, hit .248 with three home runs, 29 RBIs, and 16 runs scored.
Hokamp, who was injured in 2025, is expected to contribute offensively this season. Edmonson also mentioned outfielder Tristain Haynes as a potential offensive threat, particularly with his speed on the bases.
The coaching staff includes Derrick Mount, Brady Spring, and Bryce Melton. Mount, returning for his second stint, will work with hitters and infielders and serves as recruiting coordinator. Spring, in his second year as an assistant coach, brings experience from playing in the MACCC and at Freed-Hardeman University. Melton joins as pitching coach, bringing two years of experience with Wisconsin Luther Baseball and previous coaching roles at the high school and collegiate levels.
“We have a strong coaching staff that relates well with all the position groups,” Edmonson said. “Their efforts have been vital to our success and preparation for the season.”
With goals of back-to-back playoff berths and a conference championship, the Bears are banking on strong pitching and an explosive lineup. Their first home game is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. The full schedule is available at the team’s website. All home games will be streamed at the provided link.
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