Buena Vista, VA - Director of Athletics Josh Monsen has announced the addition of Tyler Cox ('14) as Head Coach of the Southern Virginia University baseball team.
Cox takes charge of the program after longtime coach Jerry Schlegelmilch announced his retirement at the end of the spring season. He returns as an alumnus and successful student-athlete of Southern Virginia, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Leadership in 2014.
"Having Coach Cox return as an alumnus adds a special layer of meaning to this hire," said Monsen. "His personal connection with the university gives him a deep sense of pride and purpose in leading this program, and we believe that passion will resonate strongly with our current players."
While playing for the Knights, Cox helped establish a winning tradition by taking part in 87 wins during his four seasons. In 130 games started, he recorded 149 hits, 110 RBI's, and 211 total bases.
Following his playing career with the Knights, he played professionally for the Santa Fe Fuego in New Mexico, helping them to a Pecos League Championship and Northern Division title in 2014.
When asked about returning to his alma mater, Cox couldn't be happier.
"Coming back to my home means everything. There's a history of winning here and there's a history of putting out really good young men through the university's mission. It's aligned with the things I'm looking to do, which is to gather, lift, and launch individuals into successful careers."
Most recently, Cox served as an assistant coach at Washington and Lee University for two seasons, and was previously an assistant coach at Virginia Military Institute from 2020 to 2023. He helped the Keydets win a total of 60 games during his tenure, including 26 in 2023, the most in over 10 years for the program.
This marks Cox's second stint on the Knights' coaching staff, as he previously served as an assistant coach from 2013 to 2020.
"There are so many great players around the world that share the same values as we do at Southern Virginia University. I want them to be here and see the value in this place that I've seen during my life," said Cox.
The Knights are coming off of a season in which they recorded their most wins since joining the USA South, and the first-ever victory in the USA South Tournament in program history. With a history of team success behind him, Coach Cox will look to lead Southern Virginia baseball to unprecedented heights.