Tobin Returns To Pinewood Prep
Phil Tobin, who led Pinewood Prep to a state baseball championship in 2012, will once again lead the Panthers into battle.
By Roger Lee
Contributing Writer
Summerville – This school year brings a reunion for the Pinewood Prep Baseball program.
Following a distinguished 12-year career at the helm, coach Jay Buddin stepped down at the end of the 2026 season. Stepping in to lead one of the school’s premier programs is Phil Tobin, who formerly served as the head coach back when Buddin was an assistant.
Despite numerous offers from programs around the state, Tobin felt the time was right to return to Pinewood.
“After several conversations with the administration and those close to the program, I knew in my heart that Pinewood is where I’m supposed to call home,” Tobin said.
He is excited to take the baton from a respected friend and peer and eager to get to work forging a deep sense of camaraderie that Pinewood Baseball is accustomed to and assembling a first-class coaching staff at all levels of the program.
In the spirit of honoring tradition while forging ahead, Pinewood officials are thrilled to reunite with Tobin, who led the Panthers to the SCISA AAA State Championship title in 2012. Following his tenure at Pinewood, he served on the staff for Summerville High School before returning to his alma mater, The Citadel, where he was an outstanding assistant coach.
Tobin is well-regarded throughout the Lowcountry for his baseball acumen. He earned Region 3 Coach of the Year honors after leading Pinewood to region titles in 2012 and 2014. In 2012, he was named the SCISA Statewide Coach of the Year by the S.C. High School Sports Report and earned the Lowcountry Coach of the Year award from the Charleston Post and Courier/Charleston RiverDogs.
Tobin, who prepped at Stall High School, earned four letters from The Citadel from 1988 to 1991. He helped the Bulldogs to three Southern Conference titles (1990 regular season and tournament championships and the 1991 regular season crown).
He played shortstop for the 1990 Citadel team that advanced to the College World Series and has had the privilege of coaching his son, Lane, a standout on The Citadel squad.
“It is a true honor to welcome back a coach of Phil Tobin’s caliber,” said Dr. Dan Seiden, Pinewood’s head of school. “Not only does he know what it takes to win, but he truly embraces our emphasis on developing young men of character who will lead lives of honor both on and off the field.”
Curtis McCalla has been hired to head the school’s tennis programs.
Tae Hanna is entering his second school year as Pinewood’s Athletic Director. Also back for their second year are softball coach Ben Snyder, Girls Basketball coach Will Priester, Cheerleading coach Veronica Pieretti, and Athletic Trainer Amber Andrews.
The school’s other head coaches are very familiar to students and parents alike.
Thomas King, who serves as assistant AD and assistant football coach, is a main stay.
Pat Eidson has been the Pinewood Boys’ Basketball coach for more than 30 years and has led Pinewood teams to multiple region and state championships. In February, he led the Panthers to the 2026 SCISA 4A Boys Basketball State Championship. He holds the South Carolina record for most basketball coaching wins.
Gail Osborne has been the Pinewood Girls Soccer coach since 2005 and led the program to multiple region championships and eight state championships.
Jessica Archambault has coached Swimming for the school for more than 15 years.
Other coaches returning are Andy Morgan (Lacrosse and Girls Golf), DeVonte Holloman (Football), Tuesday Abernathy (Girls Volleyball), JW Myers (Boys Golf) and Jake Birdsong (Cross Country/Track).
