JOANNA, S.C. — The Joanna Hornets collegiate summer baseball team has announced a major leadership transition ahead of the upcoming season. Former assistant Lindsey Stribble has been named the team's new Head Coach, succeeding Stuart Lake, who departs for a full-time role with the University of South Carolina baseball program.

A Familiar Face Takes the Reins

Stribble transitions into the head coaching role after serving as an assistant coach for the Hornets during their return to action. Known for his player development skills and deep understanding of local collegiate talent, Stribble's promotion ensures a seamless transition for the program as they build on their initial successes.

Maintaining further continuity on the coaching staff, Coach Ronny Bannister will return for his third season as an assistant coach, bringing veteran pitching expertise back to the Hornets' dugout.

Thanking Coach Stuart Lake

The Hornets extended their profound gratitude to Coach Stuart Lake for his foundational leadership over the past two years. Lake, a former Division I head coach, was instrumental in spearheading the modern revival of the historic Joanna baseball tradition.

Lake leaves the Hornets to focus fully on his appointment as the Director of Program Development and Camp Coordinator for South Carolina Gamecocks Baseball under head coach Kevin Schnall. Lake previously enjoyed highly successful stints with the Gamecocks as an assistant coach during some of the program's most decorated eras.

A New Era in the Blue Ridge League

The Hornets recently wrapped up their first campaign as proud members of the Blue Ridge League, an elite summer collegiate wood-bat baseball circuit spanning across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The Hornets initially launched as an independent program before joining the league, which completed its highly successful inaugural season with eight competitive franchises—including regional rivals like the Greenwood Flying Monkeys and the Spartanburg County Peaches.

Competing in the Blue Ridge League allows the Hornets to provide high-level development for college-rostered players while breathing fresh life into the region's rich textile-league baseball history.

The Countdown to Joanna Stadium

While the Hornets played their initial slate of home games at alternative local venues like Clinton High School due to field conditions, the ultimate goal is just around the corner. Partnering closely with the community non-profit via The Joanna Project, the team is actively rebuilding and restoring Historic Joanna Stadium.

Originally constructed in the 1920s as a classic mill town ballpark, the venue is undergoing extensive field and facility renovations. The franchise is officially counting down the days to bringing the "Hive" completely back home to its historic grounds, giving local fans a front-row seat to the next great chapter of South Carolina baseball.