Hoover slugger, LSU baseball signee named Gatorade Alabama Player of Year
Will Adams hit 13 home runs and drove in 52 for Hoover this season.
Olivia Bennett 
When the pressure was at its peak, Hoover High School’s Will Adams consistently delivered. The standout slugger and LSU signee officially cemented his legacy on Monday by being named the Gatorade Alabama Baseball Player of the Year for the 2026 season.
A Dominant Force on the Diamond
Adams served as a dual-threat sensation for the Bucs this year, showcasing elite talent both in the field and on the mound. He finished his campaign with an impressive .489 batting average, driving in 52 runs and launching 13 home runs. His offensive output was complemented by 37 runs scored, proving his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Even when managing a minor injury that kept him off the mound for three weeks, Adams maintained a stellar 4-2 record with 55 strikeouts. Hitters struggled mightily against him, managing a collective batting average of just .179.
High Praise for an Elite Competitor
Hoover coach Adam Moseley highlighted Adams' unique preparation and consistency, noting that the senior left-hander played his best baseball in the most critical matchups. "In four years at Hoover, I’m not sure he threw a pitch that didn’t matter," Moseley said. "He always was facing someone who was really good. He pitched against the best team we played against for four straight years."
Moseley further emphasized Adams' importance to the team, pointing out that Hoover went 1-4 during the five games he missed this season. "He’s everything you want in a baseball player," Moseley added.
What Lies Ahead
While Adams is committed to LSU, where he is expected to contribute in the outfield, first base, or potentially on the mound, his immediate future remains a hot topic. With the MLB Draft scheduled for July 11-13, Adams faces a major decision this summer.
Before then, he has his sights set on more hardware. Adams is considered a top contender for the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Baseball award, which is set to be announced on June 14 in Jacksonville, Ala.
The Gatorade Player of the Year honor, as reported by 205focus.com, is part of a prestigious program that recognizes 610 high school athletes annually across 50 states and the District of Columbia. Winners are selected by a committee of coaches, scouts, and media experts to identify the top talent in each sport.
