On Wednesday morning, Tishomingo Middle School had the honor of hosting a special guest speaker, Spence Coffman, a proud graduate of Tishomingo High School and a rising star in professional baseball. Coffman, who currently plays shortstop for the San Diego Padres minor league, took the time to inspire students with his journey and the lessons he learned along the way.

Coffman’s story began at Iuka Middle School, where he attended 5th grade math classes taught by Mrs. Heather Booker, now the assistant principal at Tishomingo School. His passion for baseball blossomed during his time at TCHS, where he played under the guidance of Coach Casey James, the current principal of Tishomingo School. In 2022, Coffman achieved a significant milestone when he was drafted straight out of high school, marking the beginning of his professional career.

As he prepares to report to spring training in Arizona next week, Coffman shared a powerful motivational message with the students. He emphasized that achieving one’s goals requires going above and beyond what is expected. A positive attitude and a commitment to teamwork are essential, he explained, urging students to focus on collective success rather than individual accolades.

Coffman encouraged the students to keep their eyes on the big picture and to step outside their comfort zones. “Dreams don’t come true by staying in your comfort zone,” he said, inspiring students to embrace challenges and pursue their aspirations with determination.

The visit from Spence Coffman served as a reminder that hard work, resilience, and a team-oriented mindset are key ingredients for success, both on and off the field. As the students left the assembly, they carried with them not just the story of a local hero, but also the motivation to chase their own dreams with passion and perseverance.