(This story previously ran in the LMU Alumnus publication in the 2025 Issue)

Harrogate, TN - On April 3, 2025, Coach John Edds was honored at Horace Maynard Middle School in Maynardville, Tennessee with the naming of John Edds Field. Since 1996, Coach Edds has served as an educator, coach and administrator in Union County in multiple positions and roles. This year in January, Edds retired from teaching. However, he continues to enjoy coaching baseball at Horace Maynard Middle School and serving as a mentor and inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.

His dedication and passion for teaching and coaching shines through not only in the impact he has made on the lives of countless students and colleagues, but also in the tremendous Railsplitter family legacy he shares with his wife, Carrie Edds ('89).  John and Carrie, their four children, and multiple siblings are all proud LMU Railsplitters, and we celebrate and congratulate them all today!

"LMU is a special place that gave a kid from Rose Hill, Virginia, the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed in life. That's what education is… I circled back twice after earning my bachelor's degree to further my education with a masters in EdS. Baseball was truly the anchor for the passion that got me in school, which I owe to Coach Dan Burns and the memories and friendships we made.  
The main friendship is my wife Carrie, who is one of the best to play basketball there, hands down, and who is the best half of the continued legacy of the Edds family. As two educators on teacher salaries, we will put all four kids through LMU while still owning the farm. Our kids chose and earned their own way; we just guided them the best we could. LMU is now an integral part of their success.
The LMU Legacy began way before me since my brother and sisters (Rose Anna ('81), Jeff ('84), and Mary ('86)) all earned degrees at Lincoln Memorial. We were raised to work hard, be the best you can be, be respectful, and get educated. We strive to instill these same lessons in our children."  - John Edds (Class of 1988)

"Like most kids who play the game, I dreamed of playing college basketball. Coach Roger Vannoy and LMU allowed me to live this dream. Being a young girl from Union County, Tennessee, LMU was the perfect size and close enough that my family could attend most games. The time spent with my teammates will always be some of my most treasured memories.
Life as I know it would not exist had it not been for LMU. I earned a degree that allowed me to work as an educator for the past 32 years. I met John, my husband of 36 years, and as of August 2025, all four of our children will have their own LMU story." - Carrie Edds (Class of 1989)

John finished his LMU career with 18 wins while Carrie still holds the women's basketball career record for steals and ranks in the top five for career points.  She is also a member of the LMU Athletics Hall of Fame.  

McKenzie was a part of the first LMU women's lacrosse team and was the 1st women's lacrosse student athletes to be named All-SAC.

Colby helped the Railsplitter's Baseball Team to two SAC Championships as part of the LMU Baseball Coaching Staff.

Eli will be entering his senior season this spring while brother Ty will be starting his first year with the Blue and Gray when they hit the diamond in Feburary.