Derek Hunley and Rob Brown founded the 5 Star Midsouth Baseball Program in the summer of 2018. Derek and Rob, college baseball teammates at Tennessee Tech University, have many years of experience coaching high-level travel and high school teams in the Nashville area. They also have a unique perspective as parents, as both have experienced the exciting and sometimes complex college recruiting process with their own sons.

Derek’s son Sean was recruited and signed with the Univ of Tennessee. Rob’s son Aaron was recruited and signed with Vanderbilt University. This experience, along with their many years of coaching student-athletes in the Nashville area, led to the creation of a unique program that not only develops a player’s skills and provides exposure for elite athletes but also provides a foundation of knowledge for parents and players to navigate the college recruiting process.

Derek, who started a highly-reputable and successful youth baseball program in 2006 named Wilson Vols Baseball, made the decision in 2018 to merge his youth organization with Andy Burress and 5 Star National out of Warner Robins, GA. This group is now known as the 5 Star Vols. The high school division formed shortly thereafter.

5 Star National is widely regarded as the most successful travel program in the nation. 5 Star’s philosophy of player development first and foremost closely aligns with Derek’s and Rob’s vision for what a true showcase and developmental baseball program should be. Their passion for the game, along with the solid backing of 5 Star National, provides a foundation for highly talented athletes to hone their skills and reach their potential of playing at the college level.