PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Chatham University has recently announced Nic Rush as its head baseball coach.
"I am very excited and grateful to have the chance to lead the Chatham University Baseball program," shared Rush. "I'd like to thank Leonard Trevino and the search committee for giving me this opportunity."
Rush comes to Chatham after a successful three-year career at Washington & Jefferson College, in which he helped lead the team to a 2019 NCAA Division III World Series and a No. 2 national ranking in 2021.
"Coach Rush is an excellent fit for Chatham," said Director of Athletics Leonard Trevino. "He is committed to our goal of making Chatham Baseball into an elite program."
Rush was also instrumental in the development of individual players, leading to two American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Americans, a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Player of the Year, PAC Pitcher of the Year, PAC Newcomer of the Year, seven First Team All-PAC players, and two Second Team All-PAC players in 2021 alone. The 2019 season had a similar ending, with an ABCA Third Team All-American, three All-Mideast Region players, six First Team All-PAC players, a Second Team All-PAC Player, and a PAC Pitcher of the Year.
While working with the Presidents, Rush still lent his time to the outside baseball community. Since 2018, he has served as a social media director, field and data coordinator for Crossroads Baseball Series, making him responsible for game coverage and operations during the company's showcases. Continuing his love of baseball, Rush founded 726 Sports in September 2020, a company dedicated to providing the most holistic summer baseball experience through tournaments and showcases.
Prior to his arrival at W&J, Rush gave his expertise to the Bluffton University baseball program for two seasons. He served as the infield and outfield coach while also gaining experience in recruiting, scouting, fundraising, and more. While with the Beavers, the team had the conference's best fielding percentage, second highest win total in program history and went on to earn their first-ever Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) playoff berth. Under Rush's guidance, the program would also receive HCAC Freshman of the Year and All-HCAC First Team selections.
"I'd like to thank James Grandey, Jeff Mountain, and each of the players that I have had the chance to coach at Bluffton University and Washington & Jefferson College. Coach Grandey and Coach Mountain have both been two incredible mentors to work for and learn from. The players that I have had the chance to coach at both institutions have helped shape me into the person and coach I am today."
Rush also has ample experience coaching youth teams as he served as the Head Coach for the 14/15 and Under Ohio Elite and the 17 and Under coach for the Midwest Marlins all while handling daily operations, recruiting, and tournament direction. He has also served as a camp instructor and evaluator, helping guide prospective student-athletes toward their academic and athletic goals.
Rush played his own collegiate career at Division II Fairmont State University as a right-handed pitcher, first baseman, and designated hitter. A 2016 graduate of the program, he was named a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American, a Mountain East Conference Scholar-Athlete, and was a recipient of both the William and Doretha Clayton Barnes Prize in History and Eston K. Feaster Award, given to the senior student-athlete with the highest GPA.
In December 2015, he earned a bachelor's degree in secondary social studies education before beginning a master's degree in multi-categorical special education with Autism endorsement, from which he graduated in May 2018. He received Summa Cum Laude honors for both his undergraduate and graduate studies.
"The Chatham Baseball program is ready to take the next step, and I am looking forward to helping build something special," stated Coach Rush, who will begin working with the team immediately.