Trace Horne returns to the Shallywags as Assistant Coach

Former Shallywags pitcher returns to Shallotte to join the coaching staff

SHALLOTTE, N.C. — The Shallotte Shallywags announced today that Trace Horne has been named an assistant coach for the upcoming Old North State League season. Horne, a Blountstown, Florida native, returns to Shallotte after spending two summers on the field as a Shallywags player.

Horne began his coaching career in the spring of 2026 at Blountstown High School and is currently on the coaching staff at John Melvin Christian University in Pensacola, Florida.

Before turning to coaching, Horne built a strong playing résumé at the junior college level. As a freshman at Georgia Highlands College, he competed in the Division I JUCO World Series and was named a 2024 Academic All-American. He transferred to Roane State for his sophomore season, where he led all of Tennessee junior college baseball in saves until an injury cut short the second half of his season. Following surgery and extensive physical therapy, Horne chose to begin his coaching career.

Baseball runs deep in the Horne family. His father has coached high school baseball for 22 years, and his brother played six seasons of professional baseball, including five in the Atlanta Braves organization and one in the Frontier League.

Horne spent three summers as a player in the Old North State League, the last two with the Shallywags.

“I have spent three summers as a player in the Old North State League, with the last two in Shallotte playing for the Shallywags,” Horne said. “I am very blessed and excited to come back to Shallotte as a coach!”

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