Pineville High School introduced their new head baseball coach on Wednesday afternoon. The Mountain Lions named Kyle Adams as the new coach. This will be Adams’ 15th year coaching baseball. He previously coached at Whitley County and Knox County Central.

Pineville superintendent Russell Thompson says that Adams was the exact fit they were looking for in a baseball coach. “I’ve seen his ability to build a baseball program,” said Thompson. “You can look at his track record anywhere and see that he is a very capable coach. He even helped with our football program this year and did a great job there with coach Frazier.”

Thompson adds that Adams’ teaching and coaching abilities teach the students how to properly handle any situation in life, not just sports.

“I’ve seen this guy in the classroom,” said Thompson. “He is a wonderful teacher. He’s very encouraging and does a great job at teaching our students how to handle any situation that may be presented to them, not just on a field. He’s a perfect fit for what we want here at Pineville. We are excited to have him.”

Adams says that he is looking to bring the “spark” back to Pineville baseball. “I’m excited to be coaching here,” said Adams. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but I feel like these student-athletes are going to put in the work and get it done. We are going to focus on fundamentals and getting better to start with.

“Our goal will be to get to, and win, the All ‘A.’ We will then focus on districts and build from there. I’m looking to bring the ‘spark’ back to baseball here. We want to increase the interest for the student-athlete, the fans and the whole community.”

Adams adds that the community of Pineville, as well as the school’s administration, are extremely supportive and provide everything that is needed to create the type of environment he is trying to establish.

“This community is amazing,” said Adams. “We’ve seen all school year long how they support the football team and the other school teams. It’s great to see how much everyone cares about Pineville’s success. It’s a very tight-knit, family atmosphere around here, and it’s going to help us get to where we want to be. The administration provides everything we could ever need to help us be successful. Mr. Thompson has been fantastic. I’m excited to get to work and excited to be in Pineville.”

The Mountain Lions will open their 2020 season on the road on March 17 against the Barbourville Tigers. Pineville posted a 5-12 record on the diamond last season.