BREWTON, Ala. - Another Coastal Alabama - North Baseball Coyote is moving on to the next level. Catcher Rustin Pope has signed with Delta State University (Miss.), an NCAA Division II program, becoming the 10th member of the 2026 Coastal Alabama - North Baseball team to sign with a four-year institution.

Pope, who played under head coach Matt Collins, adds another name to an impressive list of Coyotes continuing their collegiate careers after making their mark in Brewton.

During the 2026 season, Pope appeared in 27 games and recorded 11 hits, including four doubles and a triple, while driving in nine runs. He also drew eight walks, scored seven runs and swiped five bases. His versatility behind the plate, combined with his ability to contribute offensively, helped make Pope a valuable member of the Coastal Alabama - North roster and an attractive look for four-year institutions. 

Now, Pope will take his talents to Cleveland, Mississippi, where he will continue his baseball career with the Statesmen of Delta State, a program competing in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference.

The continued movement of Coyotes to four-year institutions reflects the commitment of Coastal Alabama - North Baseball to developing student-athletes both on the field and preparing them for opportunities beyond community college baseball.

For coverage of Coastal Alabama North Athletics, follow the Coyotes on social media at /CoastalAlabamaNorth (Facebook), @CoastalAL_North (Twitter), and @coastalal_north (Instagram), or visit the official home of the Coastal Alabama North Athletic Department at https://coastalcoyotessnorth.com/index.aspx.