Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. — Proverbs 27:17
Iron Sharpeners was founded in Trussville by J.T. Smallwood and friends around 2013 and was formally established in 2017 to help bring men to their fullness in CHRIST!
Chris Hammond & JT Dr Jeremy Towns
Mark Correll for his outstanding contributions
Col. Lacy Gunnoe, Inspector General & JT
Tony Cooper & JT
David Lamb
Jeremiah Castille & JT Bobby Humphrey & JT Monthly meetings feature different guest speakers
Patrick Nix (R) & JT Smallwood
LIST OF LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
LIST OF LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
LIST OF CREDENTIALS LIST OF CREDENTIALS
Certified Municipal Official
Certified Planning and Zoning Official
Friends of the Trussville Library Board Member
National Community Associations Institute: (Board of Directors--- President-Elect)
Elected to Pelham City Council (2016)
Re-Elected to Pelham City Council (2020)
City Council Liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission (20162020)
Mayor Appointment to the Pelham Planning and Zoning Commission (2010-2016)
Editor’s Note By Tim Stephens
In this issue, we continue our deep dive into the changing world of college athletics. In Part 2 of The New Playbook, Kyle Parmley highlights how college athletes from our local high schools are navigating NIL deals, transfers and the looming shift to direct pay from universities.
Inside, meet the new Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball coach, former UAB assistant coach Kayla Alexander, and
learn about a globetrotting local photographer, Ron Burkett.
And as the 2024-25 sports year comes to a close, Kyle wraps up the season by naming this year’s All-South Metro baseball and softball teams — a well-earned spotlight for standout local athletes.
Thanks for reading — and for staying engaged with the stories shaping Trussville.
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Sarah Owens
Kyle Parmley
Cady Inabinett
Melanie Viering
Ted Perry
Simeon Delante
Sarah Villar
Blair Moore
Warren Caldwell Don Harris Cot Tindall
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Legals: Cahaba Sun is published monthly. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without prior permission is prohibited. Cahaba Sun is designed to inform the Trussville community of area school, family and community events. Information in Cahaba Sun is gathered from sources considered reliable but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Cahaba Sun. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at (205) 313-1780 or by email.
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SCHOOLHOUSE
Kayla Alexander named Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball coach
By KYLE PARMLEY
Kayla Alexander is eager for the next step in her coaching career.
She was approved on June 9 as the next girls basketball coach at Hewitt-Trussville High School, taking over a program that has become one of the state’s best.
Alexander comes to Hewitt-Trussville from UAB, where she has been on the women’s basketball staff for the last nine years. She has worked in various capacities, starting her time at UAB as a student manager before spending five years as director of basketball operations and the last four as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
She takes over following Tonya Hunter, who recently stepped away from coaching to take a position as assistant athletics director at Hewitt-Trussville. In 11 seasons, Hunter became the most successful coach in program history and led the team to the state runner-up trophy three times.
The culture Hunter cultivated in Trussville aligns with Alexander’s coaching vision.
“I’m a fierce competitor,” Alexander said. “We have a group of girls who want to win, and to win each day is the mantra.”
“This is an excellent hire that will help Hewitt-Trussville girls basketball continue to be one of the most dynamic programs in the state. I look forward to watching Coach
Alexander push the program to new heights,” Hunter said in a release.
Alexander and her husband, Tim, moved to Trussville a few years ago, so taking this job in a community where she has already established roots is meaningful.
“It was a no brainer, and we have loved living here and made great relationships,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to fully immerse ourselves into the Husky family and tradition.”
Man & a Toolbox Handyman Services
Alexander is thankful for the opportunities UAB head coach Randy Norton provided her and the rest of the Blazers’ coaching staff over the years. She is excited to apply her college-level experience to high school coaching.
“I’ve learned how to win, how to handle adversity, life lessons that transcend the game. I’ve learned the ins and outs of running a program,” she said.
But the thing Alexander is most passionate about is the role she will play in molding her student-athletes on and off the court.
“I’m in coaching to impact lives, and that’s a focal point of why I do what I do,” she said. “You can learn a lot through basketball. You can impact and teach life lessons, as it’s done for me.”
“I am excited to have Coach Alexander on board to lead our girls basketball program,” Athletics Director Lance Walker said. “She has been part of every facet of the UAB program over the last decade and she has great experience. She is a resident of Trussville and I am confident she will have a positive impact on the girls in our community. We are excited to support her and the program.”
Alexander is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and played one season at Eureka College before heading to UAB as a student manager in 2013. She has young twins, Noah and Noelle, and her husband is a nationally-known inspirational speaker.
Hewitt-Trussville High School has hired Kayla Alexander its new girls basketball coach. Photo courtesy of UAB Athletics.
GET TO KNOW
Carla Dillard, kindergarten teacher at Paine Elementary
By BLAIR MOORE
Q: What inspired you to work in education?
A: I don’t ever remember a time I didn’t want to be a teacher! As a child I loved playing school and was always around children from a young age. In 7th grade my science teacher let me be the “Teacher for a Day.” That is a fond memory that I have never forgotten. Honestly, my passion for teaching is a gracious gift from the Lord!
Q: What’s something great about your school?
A: Our school is special for many reasons. We are the largest elementary school in the state and strive to genuinely know each child and meet their needs with great achievement. Our leadership, staff and especially my K-crew are a true blessing!
We work together so well and they feel like family.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The most rewarding thing about my job is discovering the students' sweet little personalities and what makes them unique. Being able to nurture, teach and love them just like my own is one of my greatest joys.
Trussville City Schools ranked among state’s best ACCOLADES
By STAFF
Trussville City Schools remains one of the top-performing public school systems in Alabama, according to recent rankings from Niche. The district earned an overall A+ and ranked eighth among Alabama public school systems. It also ranked sixth statewide for athletic programs and ranked in the top 3% of districts nationally.
The rankings consider factors such as academics, diversity, teacher quality, college prep and extracurricular opportunities. Trussville school leaders pointed to the district’s teachers, staff and families as key to those results.
SRO TEAM OF THE YEAR
The Trussville Police Department’s School Resource Officer Unit has been named the 2025 SRO Team of the Year by the Alabama Association of School Resource Officers. The recognition was announced at the 2025 Alabama Safe Schools Conference in Orange Beach.
The award highlights the team’s work in safety enforcement, mentoring and relationship
building within Trussville schools. Officers in the unit are stationed across campuses and regularly collaborate with school staff on training, safety planning and student engagement.
Trussville City Schools officials described the team as an essential part of the school environment by maintaining focused, secure classrooms.
The Trussville Police Department’s School Resource Officer Unit has been named the 2025 SRO Team of the Year by the Alabama Association of School Resource Officers. Photo courtesy of Trussville City Schools.
Carla Dillard, right, with her kindergarten class at Paine Elementary. Photo courtesy of Carla Dillard.
Business Buzz
NOW OPEN
Hall’s Motorsports celebrated its grand opening in Trussville in June. The new location is at 3679 Roosevelt Blvd. and features a full lineup of new and used motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, go-karts, generators and more. The store also offers parts, service, repairs and crash estimates.
205-655-0705, hallsmotorsports.com
GameDay Men’s Health is opening a new clinic in Trussville at 5048 Pinnacle Square, Suite 106. The clinic specializes in testosterone replacement therapy and aims to provide a fast, discreet experience tailored to men’s health needs. gamedaymenshealth.com
COMMUNITY GIVING
Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Trussville is donating $1 to the Trussville City Schools Foundation for every pork,
chicken, brisket or turkey sandwich sold through August. The fundraiser supports local students while spotlighting the restaurant’s signature Carolina-style, pit-cooked meats.
312 Main Street, rodneyscottsbbq.com
Raindrop Car Wash’s Trussville location at 4636 Camp Coleman Road led a multi-site effort this spring to fight food insecurity through the company’s new
Do you have news to share about a business in Trussville or the greater Birmingham area? Let us know at starnesmedia.com/business-happenings
Wash Away Hunger campaign. Together with its Clay location at 6501 Deerfoot Parkway and several others across the region, Raindrop raised $12,892 in Q1 — enough to fund more than 51,000 meals for the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. The total campaign donation of $25,216 reflects $1 from every car washed on Wednesdays, with proceeds going directly to support hunger relief across central Alabama. feedingal.org
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of its 2025 Chamber Scholarships, awarding $12,000 in total to seven outstanding local students. Six students received the $1,500 Academic Scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence and community contributions: Brooks Maddox, Caroline O’Kelley, Aliza Scott, Emily Rushing, Laura Ann James and Sadie Benson. The Chamber Champion Scholarship was awarded to Jillian Schrecongost for her exemplary community involvement and academic performance.
EVENTS
Save the Date
TRUSSVILLE FREEDOM CELEBRATION
► Where: The Mall, Cahaba Project area (near Cahaba Elementary), Trussville
► When: Friday, July 4, 5–9 p.m.
► Web: fbctrussville.org
► Details: Celebrate Independence Day with live music, food and fireworks at this free community event presented by FBC Trussville and its partners. DJ Platinum starts the night at 6 p.m., followed by Act of Congress at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks show will close out the evening at 9 p.m. Local food vendors open at 5 p.m., offering BBQ, tacos, pizza, popsicles and more. Family-friendly and alcohol-free.
A MURDER OF CROWES –A TRIBUTE TO THE BLACK CROWES
► Where: The Gateway, Beech Street, Trussville
► When: Friday, July 18, 6 p.m.
► Details: Enjoy a free outdoor concert with A Murder of Crowes, a Chattanooga-based tribute band recreating the sound and energy of The Black Crowes. The nine-piece band covers fan favorites like “She Talks to Angels,” “Remedy” and “Hard to Handle” in an authentic, high-energy performance. Bring a chair and soak in a night of blues-infused rock.
SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS –“SHARK TALE” AND “FROZEN”
► Where: 101 Beech Street, Suite 111, Trussville
► When: Tuesdays, July 8 and July 22, 4–9 p.m.
► Details: Bring the family for two themed movie nights this July. On July 8, enjoy Shark Tale and a giant bubble party with ocean-themed fun. On July 22, it’s Frozen on the big screen, plus a royal meet-and-greet with Anna and Elsa at Pinchgut Pies from 5–7:30 p.m. Each night features two showings — at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Activities run 4–7:30 p.m. or while supplies last. Movies are shown rain or shine.
► For more events news, connect with the Cahaba Sun online by scanning the QR code.
► Have an upcoming event to share? Email Tim Stephens at tstephens@starnesmedia.com.
► Details: This annual cycling event begins at Cahaba Cycles’ Homewood location and features six fully supported routes from under 5 miles to 65 miles. Trussville serves as one of several community stops along the ride. SAG support, rest stations and a post-ride cookout are included. Proceeds benefit BUMP.
SMOKEY JONES AND THE 3 DOLLAR PISTOLS
► Where: The Gateway, Beech Street, Trussville
► When: Saturday, July 19, 7 p.m.
► Details: Get ready for a honky tonk throwdown with Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols. Known for their high-energy performances and classic country style, the band blends decades of hits with original songs, twangy guitars and pedal steel. From two-stepping to line dancing, it’s a full-throttle country experience with a splash of humor. Admission is free.
MAYOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
► Where: Trussville Civic Center, 5381 Trussville-Clay Road
► When: Friday, August 1, 6:30–8 a.m.
► Web: trussvillechamber.com
► Details: Join outgoing Mayor Buddy Choat, city leaders, educators, clergy and members of the business community for a morning of prayer and reflection. Breakfast will be served at 6:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 7 a.m. Tickets are $20, or $200 for a reserved table of eight. Credit/debit purchases incur a 4% processing fee.
SPORTS
Huskies rack up spring sports awards
By KYLE PARMLEY
Spring sports award season has featured plenty of athletes from Hewitt-Trussville High School.
Most notably, Steele Hall was named Mr. Baseball by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
On the all-state team, Hall was named the Class 7A Player of the Year and earned first-team honors as an infielder. The Tennessee signee capped off a stellar career by sparking the Huskies offense all season long. Pitcher Christian Helmers joined Hall on the first team after another strong campaign.
Hall wreaked havoc on opposing teams, hitting for a .484 average with 60 hits, eight homers and 35 RBIs. He stole 33 bases and finished with a .554 on-base percentage. Helmers posted a 9-1 record and 1.55 ERA. He threw a no-hitter as well.
Freshman Hudson Mitchell made a name for himself by earning second-team all-state recognition as a pitcher. Senior designated hitter Cooper Huffman was also on the second team, and catcher Drew Ollis was selected as an honorable mention.
Mitchell was dominant in his freshman season, winning 11 games with a 1.11 ERA. Huffman hit for a .351 average with 32 RBIs. Ollis had a .495 on-base percentage.
In all-state softball, Corey Goguts received one of the superlatives, as she was named Class 7A Hitter of the Year. She also
finished on the Super All-State team. She had one of the most prolific home run seasons in Alabama high school history, hitting 31 home runs for the Huskies. That number is tied for third-most in a season, with West Limestone’s Lilly Bethune also hitting 31 homers this spring.
In addition, Goguts hit for a .521 batting average with a .613 on-base percentage. She finished with 74 hits and drove in 78 runs. She was walked 32 times and stole 23 bases. Goguts was named to the 7A first team as a designated hitter.
It marks the fourth time a Hewitt-Trussville player has been named Hitter of the Year, as Goguts joins Hannah Borden
(2019), Kenleigh Cahalan (2022) and Hannah Dorsett (2023). Zaylen Tucker appeared on the all-state list for the third straight year, earning a first-team selection for the first time. Tucker was named a first-team outfielder, all the more impressive given that she was still recovering from injury at the beginning of the season. She hit .448 with a .537 on-base percentage, scored 57 runs and hit six home runs. She was also the Huskies’ top pitcher down the stretch, posting a 1.74 ERA over 50 2/3 innings.
Several Hewitt-Trussville soccer players earned postseason honors for their performances during the 2025 season. On the boys side, Brennan Greer headlined the group with selections to first team overall all-state, first team Class 7A all-state and first team all-metro. Carson Jackson, Jason Merriweather and Asher Tharp each received honorable mention on both the overall all-state and all-metro teams. Cooper Landry and Nolan Williamson also received honorable mention on the all-metro team.
For the girls, Libby Armstrong earned a spot on the first team overall all-state, first team 7A all-state and second team A Division all-metro. Jocelyn Davis made the second team 7A all-state and first team A Division all-metro, while Mariela Delfin was named to the second team 7A all-state and received all-metro honorable mention. Addie Rutland and Lauren Melton were both overall all-state honorable mention, with Rutland also making first team A Division all-metro.
Hewitt-Trussville Steele Hall (19) in a game against HewittTrussville and Oak Mountain at Phil English Field on, April 10. Photo by Shawn Bowles.
SPORTS
All-South Metro Baseball
Hall named Player of the Year
By KYLE PARMLEY
The quality of high school baseball in the Birmingham area is elite, and the 2025 season was no different. The annual Under the Lights All-South Metro Team is packed full of talent and could almost pass as an all-state team.
This year’s Player of the Year is Hewitt-Trussville shortstop Steele Hall, who has potential to be a high pick in this summer’s Major League Baseball Draft. Hoover’s Will Adams is Hitter of the Year, although he is another great two-way player for the Bucs.
Aiden Hughes of Chelsea and Jack Ross of Homewood share the Pitcher of the Year honors. Hughes led the Hornets to the state championship series, while Ross notched 10 wins to cap off a terrific career at Homewood.
Michael Stallings is the Coach of the Year, taking Chelsea to the state finals for the second time.
► Player of the Year: Steele Hall, Hewitt-Trussville
► Hitter of the Year: Will Adams, Hoover
► Pitchers of the Year: Aiden Hughes, Chelsea, and Jack Ross, Homewood
► Coach of the Year: Michael Stallings, Chelsea
1ST TEAM
► Pitcher: Aiden Hughes, Chelsea; went 9-0 with a 0.94 earned run average, while racking up 59 hits at the plate.
► Pitcher: Jack Ross, Homewood; won 10 games, while hitting .402 with nine homers and 49 RBIs.
► Pitcher: Bryant Diddell, Mountain Brook; one of the top strikeout pitchers in the area, punching out 85 hitters.
► Pitcher: Jackson Price, Chelsea; went 8-1 with a 1.74 ERA for the state runner-up.
► Catcher: Parker Daniels, Briarwood; led all catchers with 39 hits and finished with a .482 OBP.
► First base: Will Dobbins, Homewood; knocked in 34 RBIs and stole 16 bases.
► Second base: Cam Simpson, Hewitt-Trussville; finished with an impressive .514 OBP, knocking in 30 RBIs and swiping 20 bases.
► Third base: Gavin Smith, Vestavia Hills; hit .422 with five homers and 40 RBIs.
► Shortstop: Steele Hall, Hewitt-Trussville; an upcoming high draft pick, capping off his high school career with a .484 average, 60 hits, eight homers, 35 RBIs and 33 stolen bases.
► Infield: Charlie Taaffe, Vestavia Hills; hit .369 with five home runs.
► Infield: Noah Eady, Oak Mountain; picked up 36 hits and drove in 28 RBIs.
► Outfield: Will Adams, Hoover; got on base at a .608 clip and hit eight home runs as the top hitter in the area.
► Outfield: Jack Bland, Homewood; stole 39 bases and finished with 39 hits.
► Outfield: Cross Tonsmeire, Vestavia Hills; got on base at a .526 clip, scoring 34 runs and stealing 21 bases.
► Designated hitter: Jaxson Wood, Hoover; one of the top players in the area, hitting eight homers with 43 RBIs.
► Designated hitter: Seth Staggs, Briarwood; racked up 50 hits.
► Utility: Christian Helmers, Hewitt-Trussville; one of the top all-around players in the area, going 9-1 on the mound, while hitting .322.
► Utility: Caleb Barnett, Mountain Brook; last year’s Hitter of the Year put forth another strong year, posting a 1.61 ERA and getting on base at a .521 clip.
2ND TEAM
► Pitcher: Hudson Mitchell, Hewitt-Trussville; led the area with 11 wins, posting a 1.11 ERA.
► Pitcher: Jude Davidson, Mountain Brook; went a perfect 7-0 with a 1.48 ERA.
► Pitcher: Ivan Hand, Briarwood; posted eight wins without taking a loss, with a 1.46 ERA.
► Pitcher: Chase Rafferty, Vestavia Hills; went 6-2 for the Rebels.
► Catcher: Drew Ollis, Hewitt-Trussville; reached base in nearly half of his at-bats and hit .387.
► First base: Sam Estes, Mountain Brook; knocked in 25 RBIs and got on base at a .418 clip.
► Second base: Finn Hecklinski, John Carroll; finished with a .476 OBP.
► Third base: Parker Johnson, Hoover; finished a strong year with a .491 OBP.
► Shortstop: Paul Barnett, Mountain Brook; finished with 35 hits and had a .453 OBP.
► Infield: Chase Lackey, Chelsea; knocked in 20 RBIs and stole 20 bases.
► Infield: Rhys Jones, Spain Park; put forth another solid season, finishing with a .472 OBP.
► Outfield: William Tonsmeire, Vestavia Hills; got on base in half his at-bats, drawing 24 walks and swiping 18 bases.
► Outfield: Joe Cross, Spain Park; finished with 35 hits and 26 RBIs.
► Outfield: Will Weaver, Mountain Brook; knocked in 32 RBIs.
► Designated hitter: Cooper Huffman, Hewitt-Trussville; finished with a .351 average and 32 RBIs.
► Designated hitter: Will Langston, Vestavia Hills; hit .365 and drove in 31 RBIs.
► Utility: Houston Hartsfield, Briarwood; hit .327 and won four games as an all-around player.
► Utility: Levi Nickoli, Homewood; saved four games with a 0.98 ERA, while playing shortstop for the Patriots.
HONORABLE MENTION
► Pitcher: Cooper Anderson, Vestavia Hills; Wilson Szymela, Vestavia Hills; Will Daniel, Vestavia Hills; Colin Jones, Vestavia Hills; Patrick McQueeney, Spain Park; Charlie Kramer, Spain Park; Max Vinson, Spain Park; Baker Williams, Oak Mountain; Brady Sheppard, Hoover; Gavin Letcher, John Carroll; Jacob Francis, Hewitt-Trussville; Rylan Clark, Hewitt-Trussville.
► Catcher: Cooper Mullins, Homewood; Cade Mims, Chelsea.
► First base: Jacob Harris, Vestavia Hills; James Au, Hoover; Luke Neill, Chelsea.
► Third base: Blake Bales, Hewitt-Trussville.
► Shortstop: Cale McIntosh, Hewitt-Trussville.
► Outfield: Aiden Craven, Chelsea; Owen Edwards, Oak Mountain; Baylor Hardy, Hoover; Atticus Barton, Hoover; Cooper Dunn, John Carroll; Cam Graham, John Carroll; Will Clark, Briarwood; Koal Duckett, Hewitt-Trussville; Mack Breazeale, Chelsea; Noah Crosby, Mountain Brook; Carson Mann, Vestavia Hills.
► Designated hitter: William Yoder, Oak Mountain; Colby Durden, Hewitt-Trussville; Ben Roberts, Homewood.
► Utility: Garrett Barnes, John Carroll; Braxton Williams, John Carroll; Gabe Jones, Oak Mountain; Ben Heath, Oak Mountain; Paxton Stallings, Chelsea.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Steele Hall (19), left, and Cam Simpson (15). Photos by Shawn Bowles.
All-South Metro Softball
Goguts named Player of the Year
By KYLE PARMLEY
The 2025 Under the Lights All-South Metro Softball Team, published by Starnes Media, aims to recognize the top individuals from across the area.
The Player of the Year honors go to Hewitt-Trussville’s Corey Goguts, who tied for the state lead with an eye-popping 31 home runs on the year. Katie Hopson from Chelsea, a true utility player, takes Hitter of the Year honors after sparking the Hornets offense.
Hoover senior Haley Westhoven is the Pitcher of the Year, finishing her career by leading the area with 13 wins for the Bucs. Her coach, Trey Matlock, takes Coach of the Year honors after leading the Bucs to winning Area 6, arguably the toughest in the state.
► Player of the Year: Corey Goguts, Hewitt-Trussville
► Hitter of the Year: Katie Hopson, Chelsea
► Pitcher of the Year: Haley Westhoven, Hoover
► Coach of the Year: Trey Matlock, Hoover
1ST TEAM
► Pitcher: Haley Westhoven, Hoover; tied for the area lead with 13 wins, posting a 2.85 earned run average.
► Pitcher: Kelsey Crain, Oak Mountain; posted the lowest ERA in the area with a 2.24 mark, winning eight games.
► Pitcher: Jaley Young, Spain Park; led the area with 110 strikeouts, winning nine games.
► Catcher: Lindsey Westhoven, Hoover; one of the leaders for the Bucs, finishing with a .404 on-base percentage and 33 runs batted in.
► Infield: Claire Robinett, Mountain Brook; hit .417 in her senior season, finishing with 40 hits.
► Infield: Marianna Murray, Mountain Brook; hit eight homers and finished with a .458 OBP.
► Infield: Sheridan Andrews, Oak Mountain; put together another strong year, hitting .421 with 10 doubles.
► Infield: Mollie Hanson, Hoover; one of the top hitters in the middle of the order for the Bucs, driving in 32 runs.
► Infield: Charlee Bennett, Spain Park; capped off her career with a .411 OBP.
► Outfield: Madison Letson, Homewood; put together a great sophomore year, hitting .576 and driving in 27 runs.
► Outfield: Reagan Rape, Mountain Brook; caused havoc for opponents, hitting .600 and stealing 41 bases.
► Outfield: Reagan Lawson, Hoover; got on base at a .483 clip and stole 30 bases.
► Outfield: Evelyn Splawn, Vestavia Hills; hit .426, racking up 52 hits and stealing 23 bases for the Rebels.
► Designated hitter: Emily Williams, John Carroll; hit 14 homers with 52 RBIs.
► Designated hitter: Corey Goguts, Hewitt-Trussville; hit .521 with 31 homers and 78 RBIs, drawing 32 walks.
► Designated hitter: Sydney Carroll, Chelsea; hit seven homers and drew 20 walks as one of the area’s most
feared hitters.
► Utility: Katie Hopson, Chelsea; hit .461 with 16 home runs, racking up 70 hits.
► Utility: Zaylen Tucker, Hewitt-Trussville; worked her way back from injury, hitting .448 with six homers and throwing critical innings in the circle.
► Utility: Marian Cummings, Oak Mountain; hit .402 and won nine games in the circle.
2ND TEAM
► Pitcher: Maxie Provost, Spain Park; had a brilliant eighth-grade season, going 10-6 with a 2.98 ERA.
► Pitcher: Larsen Cummings, Briarwood; posted a 2.48 ERA and struck out 102 batters.
► Pitcher: Alaysha Crews, Chelsea; the top pitcher for a strong Hornets team, winning nine games.
► Catcher: Anna DuBose, Oak Mountain; capped off her career with a solid year and only made three errors in the field.
► Infield: Klara Thompson, Spain Park; hit six homers and stole 20 bases without being caught.
► Infield: Lorelei Beck, Chelsea; drove in 38 runs and was a solid pitcher for the Hornets as well.
► Utility: Molly Shea, Mountain Brook; Kate Flanagan, Vestavia Hills; Darcy Hill, Hewitt-Trussville.
Hewitt-Trussville’s Corey Goguts (25), left, and Zaylen Tucker (14). Photos by Kyle Parmley.
SPORTS
CONTINUED from page 1
By KYLE PARMLEY
Jenna Lord’s college softball journey was nothing like what she predicted.
Thankfully, the final chapter was what she always hoped it would be.
The former Hewitt-Trussville High School standout was one of the state’s premier high school players and began her career with high expectations. But her path took unexpected turns — from Alabama to Ole Miss to Texas Tech — before finally landing at Charlotte, where she was named the 2025 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
“This last year [was] special to me, because all year I felt gratitude for the sport, where in the past I took it for granted,” Lord said. “Going through adversity — like transferring and dealing with injuries, then having surgery — just brought a new perspective.”
After transferring three times, stepping away from the game and rediscovering her confidence, Lord found the home she had been searching for and rekindled her love for the game.
“This year, I took the pressure off myself and allowed myself to forget the past and pour into others,” she said. “Our coaches and staff are the best of the best and allowed me to regain a confidence that I had lost over my college career… This year was a testament to growth and resiliency and to see it unfold the way it did after going through a lot is what makes me proud of myself.”
Lord’s experience reflects a new reality for many athletes navigating the modern college landscape. She’s become quite familiar with the transfer portal, experienced the NIL (name, image and likeness) explosion firsthand and learned what matters most along the way.
THE GAME JUST CHANGED
If you played Division I college sports in the last decade — or your kid did — this summer, money’s coming. Not from boosters. Not from collectives. From the university itself.
On June 14, a federal judge finalized House v. NCAA, a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement that shatters the 119-year model of amateurism. For the first time, schools can pay their athletes directly — not for appearances, not through shell groups — but straight from university revenue. If you are a fan of college sports, the games are now unlike anything you’ve known. And it starts now.
WHO GETS PAID – AND HOW
The House settlement triggers two historic changes: backpay and revenue sharing.
With backpay, any Division I athlete who competed between 2016 and 2024 can file for compensation. Payouts will depend on sport, tenure and school revenue — with football and men’s basketball expected to receive the largest shares.
Starting this fall, revenue sharing will allow schools to pay current athletes up to $20.5 million annually. The cap will rise each year over the 10-year agreement. Most schools are expected to split it like this:
► 75% to football
► 15% to men’s basketball
► 5% to women’s basketball
► 5% to all other sports
This is not NIL 2.0. This is something else entirely.
NIL was always about outside money — sponsors, side hustles, booster funds. The House settlement puts the money on campus. Schools will now pay athletes from the same pool used for coach salaries, facilities and scholarships.
That makes it bigger. And messier.
Only the Power 4 conferences — SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12 — were named in the suit. But all Division I schools must contribute to the backpay fund, even if they’ve never had a single NIL deal. Many smaller schools are already trimming rosters, adjusting scholarships and revisiting budgets. Some athletes will get paid. Others may get cut.
‘TRANSFORMATIVE LEGISLATION’
Birmingham entrepreneur and athlete advocate Jim Cavale has been tracking this shift from the beginning.
Above: Jenna Lord landed at the University of Charlotte, her fourth school in four years, and became the 2025 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Athletics.
Left: Jenna Lord starred at Hewitt-Trussville High School, graduating in 2021. Photo by Kyle Parmley.
“In just the first year — from July 2021 to July 2022 — we tracked $350 million in NIL activity,” Cavale said. “And 90% of that was donor-driven funds funneled through collectives to pay athletes to play.”
Now, he says, things are even murkier.
“The biggest issue athletes face is confusing and misleading contracts,” Cavale said. “These so-called NIL deals are often performance-based agreements in disguise.”
ESPN national analyst Tom Luginbill sees the same storm building.
“This is the most transformative legislation in college sports in the last 15 years — and it dropped with no guardrails,” he said. “(Resource-rich) programs like Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia can do whatever they want. Most others can’t.”
And he’s worried.
“What’s coming is this: players getting paid big money, surrounded by bad actors. Agents want 20–30%. A kid enters the portal, takes bad advice, spends the money — and doesn’t go pro. That’s the reality.”
NEXT: CONGRESS AND COURTS
Just days after the House ruling, a bipartisan group in Congress introduced the SCORE Act — a bill that would:
► Cap revenue sharing and standardize disclosures
► Pre-empt state NIL laws
► Create a federal enforcement commission
► Affirm that college athletes are not employees
That last point might be the whole game.
The NCAA’s biggest fear isn’t payment — it’s employment. If athletes are ruled to be employees, everything changes: benefits, unions, workers’ comp, labor law. The House deal opened the door to paychecks. Congress is now trying to close it before anyone says the E-word.
But Cavale says the conversation still leaves out the people it claims to protect.
“These are being structured as NIL, not employment — and there’s still no agent regulation, no contract standards,”
he said. “The athlete’s voice is missing. What’s really needed is collective bargaining.”
Meanwhile, legal uncertainty continues. The House settlement is not the final word — and may not withstand future challenges.
In June, eight current and former female athletes filed a Title IX lawsuit challenging the revenue-sharing model, arguing that its disproportionate distribution to men’s sports violates federal gender equity laws. More suits are likely. Title IX, employment law and due process could all play a role in shaping — or unraveling — the current plan.
NCAA leaders say that’s why congressional intervention is critical. The proposed SCORE Act would codify House into law, protect it from further litigation and preempt conflicting state-level NIL rules. But despite years of lobbying, no federal college sports law has ever passed. For now, the policy landscape remains a moving target.
WELCOME TO NIL GO
On June 17, a new layer of regulation arrived: NIL Go — a clearinghouse overseen by the Collegiate Sports Commission and run by Deloitte.
Athletes must now report any deal over $600. Each gets reviewed for “fair market value.” If Deloitte flags it as inflated, it can be denied or sent to arbitration. There is no legal standard for that value. No consistent appeal process. Just a new filter between athletes and the opportunities they chase.
And that’s happening as university-issued paychecks are set to hit.
The result? Confusion, whiplash — and change.
Athletes like Lord have already weathered NIL, the transfer portal and scholarship uncertainty. Now they face something even stranger: a paycheck from the school they play for.
What that means — and how long it lasts — is still in question.
The checks start July 1.
The system? Still up for grabs.
MIXED EMOTIONS
The transfer portal and the NIL scene are things college athletes must become familiar with, even though the rules and circumstances surrounding them appear to be changing by the day.
“The world of the portal and NIL is still pretty new and I know lots of people have very different viewpoints on it,” said Lord, who said she had an NIL while deal at Texas Tech but isn’t sure yet what all this will mean for her at Charlotte, where she has one more year of eligibility.
Lord believes both aspects provide college athletes with plenty of benefits, although the spirit of the system isn’t quite the way it was intended.
“I have mixed feelings on both, just because I feel that the usage of both now have strayed away from the original intent, especially in terms of NIL,” she said.
Lord and many of her friends and teammates have benefited from the system. But who knows what it will look like next month, or even next week.
“College has changed so much in the past four years, especially regarding the transfer portal and NIL. It’s a whole new ball game,” she said
House vs. NCAA Settlement Explained
WHAT IS IT?
The House v. NCAA antitrust settlement marks the official end of amateurism in college sports. Starting July 1, schools can pay athletes directly for the first time in NCAA history. The new model applies to current and future Division I athletes — not just those already on campus.
KEY TERMS
► $2.8 billion in back payments (2016-2024) to former D-I athletes
► The annual cap grows by at least 4% per year ► 10-year agreement: runs through 2035
► Roster limits: schools must reduce rosters to meet compensation caps
► Revenue sharing begins: schools can share up to $20.5M per year with athletes
WHY IT MATTERS
This formalizes athlete compensation, bringing college sports closer than ever to a pro model — and away from the 119-year “student-athlete” model.
COMMUNITY
56 for 56: We’re in the home stretch
By TIM STEPHENS
Time’s almost up. When you read this, the weigh-in will be just days away — and I’ll be staring down the final miles of a goal I’ve been chasing since January.
The public goal was clear: lose 56 pounds by my 56th birthday. But that wasn’t the full story. Privately, the number I was chasing was 76. I had already dropped the first 20 before I ever went public. This wasn’t just about optics or vanity — it was about proving I could still summon the kind of focus and discipline that had once come easily.
But more is in play now than in my 30s or 40s. At 55, the metabolism doesn’t bend as easily. Recovery takes longer. The tools that used to work like magic now need coaxing. There’s also something else new: ADHD. I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 53 — which, looking back, explains a lot. There’s still a lot to unpack, but just understanding that has changed how I approach challenge and recovery.
A full-on ADHD burnout hit in the spring. When I finally came up for air, there were just six weeks left — and I was still 30
pounds away from the public goal.
I could’ve written it off. Said it was too much. Blamed the schedule, the stress, the age. But instead of walking away, I reset. In May, I got honest with myself. I built a plan — not just to push through the final stretch, but to do it smarter.
Here’s what the final sprint looks like:
Scan the QR code to watch episode 5 of 56-for-56: A Transformation Project.
► Nutrition: A high-protein, low-calorie liquid protocol — just 800 to 1,200 calories a day, with 240 to 260 grams of protein. It’s built around two large blended shakes a day, a combination of whey isolate and collagen. Add to that four servings of chicken broth for sodium and hydration and minimal solid foods — mostly celery, cucumber and the occasional apple on harder training days. Water intake tops 200 ounces a day, with two electrolyte supplements and coffee kept lean at about 60 calories daily.
► Training: I’m aiming to burn more than 1,600 active calories daily, on top of
a 2,400 basal metabolic rate. That’s a 4,000-calorie burn target, driven by Hotworx sessions, kettlebell work, walking miles, and HIIT. I’m layering in micro-circuits — pushups, squats, planks — throughout the day and stacking movement wherever I can.
► Tracking and recovery: I’m logging everything through MyFitnessPal. Whoop helps guide recovery, and I’ll adjust based on energy and muscle retention. IV therapy at Prime IV helps support hydration and fat loss, while Hotworx saunas assist in both calorie burn and recovery. I’m supplementing daily with collagen, magnesium and a multivitamin.
Whether I cross the 56-pound finish line exactly or fall a few steps short, the real success has already taken shape. For the first time, I’m trying to win not with raw intensity, but with clarity, systems and with sustainability in mind.
And maybe that’s the true milestone — not just what I lose, but what I learn to let go.
Join the Mission: Have you made a remarkable personal transformation of some kind or know someone who has? Nominate their story by emailing tstephens@starnesmedia.com.
Starnes Media General Manager Tim Stephens takes a progress selfie after a workout at HOTWORX. Stephens is in the final days of his effort to lose 56 pounds by his 56th birthday. Photo by Tim Stephens.
From the Cahaba to Iceland: The global adventures of Trussville’s Ron Burkett
By BLAIR MOORE
July is peak travel season — a time when many of us are daydreaming about wide-open skies and faraway places. One Trussville photographer has turned wanderlust into a way of life, while continuing to document baptisms and senior Sundays at First Baptist Church Trussville.
If you know Ron Burkett from around town, you’ve likely seen him with a camera over his shoulder. What you may not know is that he’s traveled the globe photographing glacial cliffs, African wildlife and roaring hydroplanes.
His love for photography began in 1979, his senior year at McAdory High School. “One of my friends got a darkroom kit,” he said. “We set it up in his attic and started developing black-and-white film ourselves. We figured out pretty quickly — taking pictures was a lot more fun than developing them.”
Burkett kept the hobby going through a 30-year career with what is now AT&T. He retired in 2012 and began freelancing for local newspapers, and over the years, his reputation grew. He now produces a weekly live show, photographs at First Baptist and covers numerous events around town.
At the church, he documents baptisms, child dedications and senior recognitions. “The church offers it as a service so families can be in the moment,” he said. “I love being the one to capture that.”
That sense of purpose also travels with him. Burkett has been part of the church’s Men on Mission trip for 23 years,
handling photography and video. He’s traveled to Kenya four times to document the work of Jesus Harvester’s Ministries.
When he’s not working, he’s still behind the camera — just somewhere a little wilder. He’s traveled through Europe, Australia and the American West, but Iceland holds a special place in his heart. “I’ve been three times. It’s just so pristine and primal,” he said.
Still, his favorite photo was captured right here in Alabama during a rare moment that required patience, timing and a little bit of faith. “A friend and I had this idea to photograph
HOT WEATHER CALLS FOR COLD WATER
the Cahaba lilies at night with the Milky Way above them,” he said. “You only get a three- or four-day window each year when the lilies are blooming, there’s no moon, and the Milky Way is in the right spot. That night, we stood in the middle of the river at 2 a.m. in complete darkness. Just the river, the stars, the flowers — and it worked. It’s my favorite photo I’ve ever taken.”
They’ve tried to recreate the image every year since. No luck. “But even when it doesn’t work, the experience is worth it,” he said. “Photography takes you to places and moments you wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Burkett is drawn to adventure both in life and behind the lens. “I love photographing air shows, IndyCar races at Barber Motorsports Park, and this weekend I’m heading to Guntersville for HydroFest,” he said. “Those boats go 200 miles an hour. It’s a challenge, but I love it.”
Next up? A trip to Churchill, Manitoba, in August to photograph polar bears in the wild.
Burkett is entirely self-taught, driven by a mix of curiosity and creative instinct. “I’ve always liked making things,” he said. “I did art classes in high school, woodworking, all kinds of stuff. But photography is where it all comes together.”
Here’s his advice for those interested in trying photography: “Don’t worry about being good,” he said. “Just start. It’s fun, and it pulls you in. The more you do it, the better you get, and the more rewarding it gets. Then, before you know it, you’re standing in a river at 2 a.m. taking photos under the stars.”
A love of photography has taken Ron Burkett from ballfields and businesses in Trussville to exciting and exotic locations all over the world. Photo courtesy of Ron Burkett.
It’s a Matter of Life & Breath
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Freestanding Emergency Department
5542 Vanlerberghe Lane, Trussville
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the closest ER.
