RALEIGH, N.C. - William Peace University baseball has been selected seventh in the 2026 USA South Athletic Conference preseason poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches.

The Pacers enter the spring under steady leadership, as Charlie Long begins his fifth season as head coach at Peace. The coaching staff will look a bit different in 2026, highlighted by the addition of Matt Polak as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, as the program continues to build depth and stability within the USA South.

Peace finished the 2025 season with a 13-26 overall record and an 8-13 mark in conference play, falling just short of a spot in the USA South Tournament. Despite the departure of key contributors from last season, the Pacers return a core group of position players led by sophomore Gavin Turner.

Turner emerged as one of the most consistent offensive threats in the conference as a freshman, earning USA South Rookie of the Week honors three times and securing Second Team All-Conference recognition. He led the Pacers with a .357 batting average while recording 55 hits, 33 RBIs, and a .420 on-base percentage across 39 games.

On the mound, Peace will rely on several returners to help anchor a pitching staff that saw significant turnover due to graduation following the 2025 season. Ethan Hummel returns after serving in a closing role last year, while Ethan Mieldezis, Landon Coleman, and Grady Swinson are expected to take on expanded responsibilities as the Pacers look to replace lost innings and continue developing depth on the staff.

With a mix of experienced returners, emerging underclassmen, and a refreshed coaching staff, the Pacers will look to take a step forward as conference play begins this spring.

The Pacers will open up the season with a double header hosting Eastern Mennonite on February 14th.