2026 Baseball Senior Spotlight

This class has aided the Lions to 100+ wins over the past four seasons and 40+ conference wins during that stretch, including winning the inaugural CCS Championship in 2023. This group has also collected 14 wins over ranked opponents, including a three-game sweep over conference rival Belhaven this season. Together this group has aided the team to a 24-12 record in 2026.

Ellis has been a staple of the Lions in all his years in the green and gold. Since 2022, Cole has maintained at least a .300 batting average and a .400 on-base percentage. In 2023, he recorded a career-high 24 stolen bases while helping the Lions to a conference championship in the inaugural Collegiate Conference of the South tournament. Earlier this season Ellis recorded his 200th career hit against Asbury and recorded his 100th career RBI against LaGrange. This season Ellis has set career highs in RBIs, batting average, slugging, and on-base percentage. He has been selected as USA South Rookie of the Week as well as CCS Player of the Week. In 2023, Ellis was selected to the All-CCS Second Team. Academically, Ellis is a four-time conference All-Academic Team member and a three-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. Ellis plans to graduate with a Master’s of Business Administration in December of 2026.

Bailey has appeared in 37 games during his time at Piedmont. In 2025, Sean slugged two home runs with six RBIs. In the same season, he recorded a .923 fielding percentage. Bailey has received recognition for his work inside the classroom as well. Sean earned his way onto the CCS All-Academic Team three times. Bailey plans to graduate with a degree in Accounting and Business Analytics in December of 2026.

Funk has appeared in 100+ games for the Lions. Since 2025, Cody has been a force in the outfield for the Lions, breaking out in his junior campaign before shattering his own career highs this season. This season, Funk has been the table setter for the Lions lineup, reaching a career-high 400+ batting average and a .500+ on base percentage while swiping 30+ bases. This season, Funk has received multiple commendations from both the CCS and the national level. Funk was named to the D3 Baseball Team of the Week as well as collecting a CCS Player of the Week award. Cody has also been rewarded for his work in the classroom, receiving a spot on the CCS All-Academic Team three times. Funk plans to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensic Science in May of 2026.

Matt has been a strong outfielder for the Lions during his career for Piedmont. A stable force in the outfield, Dupuis recorded a 1.000 fielding percentage in the past three seasons and has been solid this season as well. This year Dupuis recorded his first career RBI during the first game of the season in a 14-4 win against Rhodes. Matt has recorded 10 hits to this point in the season. In the classroom, Dupuis has earned CCS All-Academic Team honors three times. Matt plans to graduate with a degree in Business Analytics in December of 2026.

Burton has been with the Lions all throughout his college career. In 2023, he appeared in nine games, picking up 14 strikeouts across 15.2 innings of work. Off the field, Burton has been a part of numerous school clubs and organizations. Academically, Burton has been named to the CCS All-Academic Team three times. Burton plans to graduate with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science in May 2026. 

Chelcun has been a member of the Lions bullpen since 2023, where he was a part of the 2023 conference-winning squad. This season, Nash has logged two appearances, including a scoreless outing in conference play against Asbury. For his efforts in the classroom, Nash was named to the CCS All-Academic team in both 2024 and 2025. Chelcun plans to graduate with a degree in Accounting and Digital Marketing in May of 2026.

Anderson has been with the Lions since 2023. Across his career, Dalton has collected 16 strikeouts across 20.2 innings of work. This season, Anderson has been solid across 5.1 innings, striking out five in five appearances. In the classroom, he was named to the CCS All-Academic Team three times. Dalton plans to graduate with a degree in Secondary Education History in December of 2026.

Cruz has been a contributing member of the lineup for the Lions since his sophomore season. This season, Mullinix has broken out, earning starts in all games for Piedmont. Cruz has been a stalwart at first base with good defense and strong hitting to match. In his senior year he has reached career highs in hits, RBIs, and walks, aiding the Lions to a 10-5 conference record. Mullinix plans to graduate with a degree in Business Management in May of 2026.

Tritt has been a sturdy member of the Lions bullpen for all his time at Piedmont. During his sophomore season, Lucas recorded a career-best 2.00 ERA. In 2025, Tritt reached an at-the-time career high in strikeouts before setting a new high this season. This season Tritt has pitched solidly in 14.2 innings for the Lions, collecting 12 strikeouts. Lucas plans to graduate with a degree in Management and Marketing in May of 2026.