Little Rock's Chris Curry has been named the 2026 ABCA/ATEC NCAA Division I South Region Coach of the Year after leading the Trojans to a historic season. The team achieved a 39-28 record, winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament for the second consecutive year and making their first-ever NCAA Super Regional appearance. Curry's leadership resulted in a remarkable postseason, where the Trojans, as a No. 4 seed, won the Hattiesburg Regional, defeating Southern Miss and Jacksonville State along the way. Little Rock's performance earned them a final national ranking of No. 22. Curry emphasizes that the award reflects the contributions of his coaching staff and players.

By the Numbers
  • Little Rock achieved a record of 39 victories, a school milestone.
  • The Trojans ranked in the Top 25 across four different national polls, peaking at No. 18 by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Yes, But

While Curry's recognition is a significant achievement, the competition within the NCAA Division I landscape remains intense, and the upcoming National Coach of the Year award will also consider other regional coaches who led successful programs this year.

State of Play
  • Curry is among eight NCAA Division I regional coaches being considered for the national award.
  • The Trojans concluded their season with heightened visibility and acclaim, marking a shift for the program.
What's Next

On June 24, the ABCA will announce the National Coach of the Year, indicating further recognition for Curry's outstanding season. The program aims to build on this momentum and continue its competitive advancement in future seasons.

Bottom Line

Chris Curry's award not only highlights his coaching accomplishments but also reflects Little Rock's historic season, setting a new standard for excellence within the program that could influence its trajectory moving forward.