2026 Trinity Christian Academy Lions Team Preview
December 29, 2025
The 2026 Tennessee high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.
Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at the state tournament championships – but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.
Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.
Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.
Please note that all Team Previews were submitted by High School Coaches.
High School: Trinity Christian Academy
Head Coach: Hayden Hogue
TSSAA Classification: D2 A
District: District 5
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 14-15-1
ROSTER PREVIEW
+ Top Returning Position Players:
- SS Owen Atwood (2026)
- C John Brooks (2026)
- RHP/1B Max Richardson (2026, Carson Newman University)
- UTL Joe Cole (2028)
- RHP/1B Cason White (2028)
+ Top Returning Pitchers:
- RHP Max Richardson
- RHP Thomas Thornton
- RHP Cason White
- RHP Levi Baker
- RHP Zach Bobo
TOP NEWCOMERS
+ Impact Underclassmen:
- Cason White (2028)
- Thomas Thornton (2028)
- Joe Cole (2028)
- Zach Bobo (2029)
- Cam Hardin (2029)
2026 OUTLOOK
+ Trinity Christian Academy enters the 2026 season under head coach Hayden Hogue looking to take a step forward in TSSAA Division II–A, District 5, following a 14–15–1 campaign a year ago. With a veteran core that brings significant varsity experience and a talented group of underclassmen ready to expand their roles, the Lions appear well positioned to be more competitive throughout district play.
The lineup is anchored by one of the most experienced infields in the area, led by Owen Atwood (2026), a three-year starting shortstop who has held down both the leadoff spot and the middle of the diamond since his freshman season. Atwood’s athleticism and consistency set the tone offensively and defensively. Behind the plate, John Brooks (2026) returns for his third season as the starting catcher. Known for his strong arm and steady presence, Brooks is regarded as one of the top catchers in the area and is poised for a breakout year at the plate.
At the corner positions, Trinity Christian brings back two high-upside bats and arms. Max Richardson (2026) is a three-year starter on the mound who commands four pitches, earned All-State honors as a sophomore, and is a Carson-Newman signee. His presence provides the Lions with a proven ace and middle-of-the-order threat at first base. Cason White (2028) adds another dynamic two-way option after striking out 36 batters in 30 innings as a freshman, and his ceiling on the mound makes him a key piece moving forward. Versatility is further strengthened by Joe Cole (2028), who started every game at third base as a freshman and finished with a .308 average, the second highest on the team.
On the mound, Trinity Christian features one of its deeper pitching staffs in recent seasons. Richardson headlines the group, while Thomas Thornton returns after logging the second-most innings last season and posting a 4–1 record, showing significant upside. White, Levi Baker, who threw 30 innings as a sophomore, and Zach Bobo round out a staff with both experience and developmental depth.
The Lions also welcome a strong group of impact underclassmen, including White, Thornton, Cole, Bobo, and Cam Hardin (2029), all of whom are expected to play meaningful roles. With multiple three-year starters, proven arms, and a rising sophomore and freshman class, Trinity Christian Academy has the pieces in place to push forward in District 5 and make noise in Division II–A during the 2026 season.
Find more information on Trinity Christian Academy’s 2026 season below:
+ Follow them on X: @TCABaseball1 | Instagram: @tca_bsbl
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our TSSAA Season Preview page
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