GAINESVILLE, FL (July 24, 2026) - Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins has announced Brad Powell as the new head coach for Santa Fe College baseball.

Powell brings an impressive range of skills.  His experience in helping student-athletes earn upper division scholarships and professional contracts, communication skills, work ethic, recruiting connections, and teaching abilities all made him a stand-out candidate. 

He comes to SF from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a Division 1 program, where he was the Pitching Coach.While with the Golden Lions, the team set the school record for most wins in a season in school history, and made the furthest run in the conference tournament since 2014. Powell's pitching staff made massive jumps from the previous year, including setting the school record for strikeouts in a year. 

Previously he spent four-years as pitching coach at Northwest Florida State College, where he is credited for helping to guide the program back to national prominence. In 2025, Northwest Florida made its first trip to the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colo., in nine years.

Santa Fe College is his first head coaching assignment.  He joins SF on August 1.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Powell to Santa Fe College," Stebbins said. "We were fortunate to have an impressive pool of candidates. Coach Powell stood out among the rest for his energy and ability to recruit the state of Florida. He had qualities we were looking for in a first-time head coach."

Stebbins said Powell brings a strong background in player development, recruiting and on-field strategy, along with a notable track record in advancing players.  His experience working within the junior college system at NWF, as well as his time at HBCU University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, also made him stand out.

"He will be a great asset to our college community and certainly to our athletic department. Our guys are going to love playing for him."

The College undertook a national search for its new head coach following the retirement this spring of long-time coach Johnny Wiggs.

"I want to thank Chanda Stebbins, Dr. (Naima) Brown and the search committee for their belief in me. I'm excited for the opportunity to be the next head coach at Santa Fe College," Powell said. "I look forward to building on the history of success of Santa Fe Baseball and being a part of the Gainesville community.

While Powell as at Northwest Florida, the pitching staff ranked 16th nationally in fewest hits allowed, 14th in lowest ERA, and 15th in WHIP. Powell's ace, Mack Estrada, earned Panhandle Conference Pitcher of the Year honors and the first Raider to do so since 2019, and was selected in the 10th round of the MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. Additionally, three pitchers committed to Division I programs: Brock Tapper (Troy), Colin Linder (Arizona State), and Parker Dillhoff (UL-Lafayette).

In his first season with the Raiders, Powell's staff set a school record with 462 strikeouts, leading the Panhandle Conference in K/9 and finishing 15th nationally in strikeouts. The staff also ranked 13th nationally in fewest walks allowed. His development efforts resulted in six pitchers advancing to Division I programs, including Jake Madden (Alabama), Will Cannon (Auburn), and Joel Sarver (Charlotte). Madden became the second-highest drafted player in Raider history, taken 118th overall by the Los Angeles Angels.

In year two, the Raiders ranked 4th in strikeouts within the FCSAA and posted the third-best team ERA (4.46) in the conference. Six additional pitchers went on to D-I programs, including Kyson & Malachi Witherspoon (Oklahoma) and Gavin Black (Mississippi State).

Before his tenure in Niceville, Powell spent two seasons at Iowa Western Community College as Director of Baseball Operations, Assistant Pitching Coach, and Catchers Coach. There, the Reivers posted a 70-14 record, and three catchers moved on to Division I programs.

In Powell's 6 years as a junior college assistant, 84 players have moved on to Division 1 baseball and 29 players have been drafted or signed professionally.

He also served three years at Doane University as Recruiting Coordinator and Catchers Coach, where he helped improve defensive metrics behind the plate and played a key role in offensive success. The Tigers broke multiple school records, including single-season doubles and team home runs.

As a player, Powell pitched at McCook Community College and Doane University, where he ranked among the team leaders in ERA and opponent batting average. He also competed for the Duluth Huskies in the Northwoods League. 

A native of Palmyra, Nebraska, Powell earned his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Physical Education and History from Doane in 2016. 

"Saints Baseball has a proud winning tradition," Stebbins said. "We know Coach Powell will build on the legacy of Hall of Famers Harry Tholen and Johnny Wiggs."