LIVINGSTON, Ala. — After leading one of the most successful seasons in program history, Eric DuBose has been named Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year, marking his first career honor and the first for a West Alabama Tigers baseball head coach since Gary Rundles in 2015.

DuBose guided the Tigers to a 34-13 overall record and a 23-10 mark in Gulf South Conference play, establishing West Alabama as one of the premier programs in the region. Ranked No. 11 nationally, the Tigers dominated both at home (21-6) and on the road (13-7), producing one of the best winning percentages in school history and the highest since the 2015 season.

The success under DuBose has been fueled by a complete team effort, highlighted by one of the top pitching staffs in the country. West Alabama ranks first in the GSC and second nationally in earned run average (3.55), while also leading the conference in WHIP (1.32) and hits allowed per nine innings (8.08). The Tigers have paired that dominance on the mound with strong defensive play, ranking second in the conference in fielding percentage (.971).

In just his third season at the helm, DuBose has quickly turned West Alabama into a consistent contender. After a 21-26 record in his first year, the Tigers improved to 31-25 in year two, capturing the program's first GSC title since 2015. That season included a remarkable turnaround, as West Alabama rallied from a 20-22 record to finish 15-3 down the stretch and secure an NCAA Tournament berth.

Heading into the 2025 season, DuBose reshaped the roster with key additions, including Joe Watkins, Eli Burwash, Jake Goolsby, Tanner Jones, and Nolan Phillips. The moves paid immediate dividends, resulting in one of the most successful seasons of his coaching career. Under his leadership, Judah Buckner and Bryant Quimby earned All-Region and All-GSC honors, while Buckner was named a Third Team All-American.

Now in 2026, DuBose has taken the program to another level, leading the Tigers to an outright GSC Regular Season Championship for the first time since 2015. With a balanced roster, elite pitching, and a winning culture firmly established, West Alabama has emerged as one of the top teams in the region.

Before his coaching career, DuBose built an impressive résumé as a player. A standout at Mississippi State University, he was a three-time All-American and two-time All-SEC selection, finishing his career with a program-record 428 strikeouts. He later represented Team USA, including participation in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

DuBose went on to play 12 years professionally, including five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, making his Major League debut in 2002. His accomplishments were recognized with his induction into Mississippi State's Ron Polk Ring of Honor in 2020.

From his playing days to his rapid rise as a head coach, DuBose has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. His 2026 Coach of the Year honor reflects not only this season's success, but also the sustained growth and championship trajectory of the West Alabama baseball program under his leadership.