FREDERICK, Md. - Michael Impellittiere has been named the head coach of Hood College's baseball program, Director of Athletics Tom Dickman announced.
"I am very pleased to announce Mike Impellittiere as the new head baseball coach at Hood College," Dickman said. "Mike was selected from an outstanding pool of candidates. His Division III experience as both a player at Misericordia University and a coach SUNY New Paltz and Hood will help ensure a smooth transition for the upcoming season and beyond. Mike's knowledge, enthusiasm, and coaching skills will be invaluable as the Blazers continue their advancement up the MAC Commonwealth standings."
Impellittiere, selected after a national search, spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Blazers. This past season, he helped lead Hood to a 20-win season in just the third year of existence for the program. During his two years on staff, he has worked with outfielders, catchers, and pitchers, while serving as the team's strength coordinator. Additionally, Impellittiere was a student life assistant in the college's Hodson Fitness Center.
"I am honored to be named as the new Head Baseball Coach at Hood College," Impellittiere said. "I am thankful for all the support that Hood College, the college's administration, and athletic department have given me. I would like to give special thanks to Director of Athletics Tom Dickman for putting his trust in me to lead this program for years to come. I am ready to step right into the position with my passion, energy, and knowledge of the game."
Impellittiere arrived at Hood after a two-year stint as an assistant baseball coach at the State University of New York at New Paltz. While at SUNY-New Paltz, Impellittiere was charged with serving as the program's infield and recruiting coordinator and assisted with hitting.
"I'm very confident in the players we have coming back this year and looking forward to our incoming freshman class," said Impellittiere. "Our student-athletes at Hood College represent our program in a professional manner and I am beyond thrilled to coach them. I will continue the tradition Cory Beddick has set for us in creating a bright future for our program."
The Cold Spring, New York native is the owner of the Impy Sluggers, a youth baseball organization that includes a U-13 travel team.
Impellittiere played four decorated seasons as an undergraduate student-athlete at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., and finished his career as a .298 hitter. He played an important role in Misericordia's three straight Freedom Conference championships from 2011-13, including a program-record 39-11 finish in 2013. That season, the Cougars posted a 3-2 mark at a NCAA Regional, hosted by the Cougars at PNC Field in Moosic, Pa.
During the course of Impellittiere's career, Misericordia achieved an overall record of 126-55, and the Cougars twice found themselves two wins away from going to the NCAA Division III College World Series (2011 and 2013).
He also brings experience as a grounds crew worker with the Hudson Valley Renegades from 2005-2010.
Impellittiere earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Misericordia in 2013 and is working towards his MBA at Hood College.
What they're saying about Mike Implellittiere
Cory Beddick, Washington (Md.) head coach (former Hood College head coach): "Coach Impellittiere is the right man to lead the next chapter of Blazer baseball. He is an extremely hard worker who is passionate about the game of baseball and the Hood College baseball program. His infectious positive energy is second to none. He will get the most out of the players and help them to reach their potential in the classroom, on the field, and within the campus community. I could not be more proud of Michael and I know he will do a tremendous job."
Pete Egbert, Misericordia head coach: "Mike has an outstanding knowledge of the game and a great work ethic. He will bring a new dimension to the Hood Baseball program."
Matt Righter, Vassar head coach: "Coach Impellittiere has an infectious personality and positive energy that never fails. One of my favorite people in baseball who will do anything to help the team! I could always count on Mike to get the job done and be there to help others at the same time and I have no doubt he will do the same at Hood College."