GREENVILLE, S.C. | The Young Harris College baseball team has opened the 2026 season ranked 16th nationally in the NCAA Division II Preseason Coaches Poll, signaling strong expectations for the Mountain Lions following a great 2025 campaign. 

Under the direction of head coach Stephen Waggener, Young Harris looks to build on last season's success after earning Conference Carolinas Regular Season Co-Champion honors, finishing 40-17 overall, and advancing to the Conference Carolinas Tournament championship game. 

The Mountain Lions return a strong core of impact players, including senior infielder Drew Bray, junior first baseman and outfielder Kade Smallwood, and sophomore infielder Jonny Smith, all of whom earned All-Conference Carolinas recognition in 2025. 

Young Harris enters the 2026 season with national momentum and conference championship aspirations as the Mountain Lions prepare for another challenging slate within Conference Carolinas. 

The Conference Carolinas Baseball Tournament is scheduled for April 29 through May 4 at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia, North Carolina.