PROVIDENCE, R.I. – For just the third time in program history, the Johnson & Wales University baseball team has a new head coach. An assistant at the NCAA Division I & III levels, Kevin Casey has been hired as the Wildcats' newest dugout boss as announced by JWU Associate Dean of Students Mel Graf. Casey replaces John LaRose who was 24-18 in 2018, winning his 400th game on April 27, 2018.
Casey comes to the Wildcats from Northeastern University where he was an assistant for four years. Casey was part of a rebuilding process that culminated in 2018 with a 36-21 record and the Huskies' first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2003. Northeastern won a pair of Colonial Athletic Association regular season titles during his tenure. Casey oversaw the hitters and outfielders, while also spending a season coaching the catchers.
Prior to his stint with the Huskies, Casey spent two seasons at his alma mater, Tufts University, coaching alongside his father, John Casey. During his time with the Jumbos, he helped the team to a pair of winning seasons, including a NESCAC East regular season title in 2014 and a trip to the NCAA Division III New England Regional, while also tying the program record for wins in a season (34). On the field, he was responsible for infielders and hitters while also organizing recruiting, alumni relations and strength and conditioning.
Casey began his coaching career in 2010 as an assistant at Daniel Webster College. Casey spent three years at Daniel Webster, where he served as the recruiting coordinator, infield and hitting coach. He played an instrumental role in the Eagles' coaching staff that led the program to a 14-win turnaround in 2010 and its first winning season in school history. While at Daniel Webster, Casey helped guide the team to three consecutive 20-win campaigns, two conference championships and the school's first NCAA Division III Regional appearance in 2012.
As a player, he was an All-New England third baseman during his sophomore season and served as the team captain in 2008 and 2009. A four-year starter, Casey helped lead the Jumbos to four straight postseason berths, including three appearances in the NESCAC finals.
Casey graduated from Tufts in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history. During his nine-year coaching career, Casey has coached and mentored 13+ Major League Baseball draft picks. He currently resides in Bridgewater, Mass. with his wife, Bailey.