Wake Tech’s Russ named ABCA/ATEC Regional Coach of the Year
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Wake Technical Community College Head Baseball Coach DJ Russ has been named the 2026 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/ATEC NJCAA Division II Regional Coach of the Year for the South Atlantic District, recognizing a historic season for the Eagles baseball program.
The ABCA/ATEC Regional and National Coaches of the Year are selected by members of the American Baseball Coaches Association, with the selection process led by the ABCA All-America and Coach of the Year committees. Awards are presented across nine divisions, including NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, the Pacific Association Division, and High School.
During the NJCAA Division II World Series in Enid, Oklahoma, Russ was also honored as the 2026 NJCAA South Atlantic District Coach of the Year.
Under Russ' leadership, Wake Tech achieved its most successful season in program history. The Eagles recorded a program-best win total, captured the program's first-ever NJCAA Region 10 Championship, and earned the school's first NJCAA Division II World Series appearance.
Wake Tech also established several new team offensive records during the 2026 campaign, including marks for batting average, doubles, RBI, and extra-base hits. In addition, five individual program records were broken throughout the season.
Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.
VIEW ALL REGIONAL COACHES OF THE YEAR: https://abca.org/ABCA/News/2026/2026_ABCA_ATEC_Regional_Coaches_of_the_Year_Announced.aspx