|
| Coast Guard athletics photo |
NEW LONDON, Conn. – Brian Casey, the associate head coach, pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at William & Mary for the past eight years, has been named the head baseball coach at the Coast Guard Academy following an extensive national search in which over 100 coaches applied for the position.
"I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to join the Coast Guard community," said Brian Casey. "I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Dan Rose, Donna Koczajowski and the rest of the committee for entrusting me to lead the Coast Guard baseball program. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to work with such a special group of people. Our goal will be to build a program that competes at a high level and is representative of the values of the Coast Guard Academy. Knowing the caliber of cadet-athlete we will attract to campus along with the support of the administration, alumni and community, we will take Coast Guard Baseball to new heights."
During his eight years at William & Mary, Casey helped the Tribe record five 30-plus win seasons, make two NCAA Regional Final appearances as the team qualified for the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament each season. Prior to his time at W&M, he spent five seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Tufts University.
"I am pleased to announce Brian Casey as the inaugural Sandy Ogg (Class of '76) Head Baseball Coach," said Dr. Dan Rose, Coast Guard Academy Director of Athletics. "Brian has distinguished himself as a leader accustomed to success at strong academic institutions with a clear vision for recruitment and player development. Brian's philosophy for building a baseball program closely aligns with our corps values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty and we look forward to seeing Coach Casey develop leaders of character through the sport of baseball."
The 2019 William and Mary pitching staff saw Tribe reliever Jamie Sara selected in the 25th round of the 2019 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.
In 2017, W&M earned its fifth straight postseason bid, which was a program-best since qualifying started for the CAA Baseball Tournament. The weekend rotation played a major role in helping the Green & Gold finish third in the conference as the Tribe swept three of its CAA series. For the first time since '08, multiple Tribe pitchers were taken in the MLB Draft (3rd and 32nd round).
The 2016 season saw Tribe capture the CAA Tournament crown and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the NCAA Regional knocked out Bryant and defending national champion Virginia on its way to its second Regional Final in four seasons.
In 2014, Casey was part of the Tribe's first-ever CAA regular season title. A record setting 39-win season in 2013 allowed the Green and Gold to earn its first-ever NCAA Tournament at-large bid and win its first regional games in school history.
Casey's influence has led to a total of seven W&M pitchers earning opportunities at the professional level and ten Tribe hurlers gaining All-CAA honors.
"I want to thank my wife, Kara, my family, Coach Murphy and all the student-athletes and members of the William & Mary Baseball community for their support over the past eight years," said Casey. "I'm looking forward to working with the CGA players and staff to build something special."
Casey began his coaching career at Tufts University where he worked with the Jumbos infielders and hitters and also served as the program's recruiting coordinator. During Casey's five years as an assistant, the Jumbos made four postseason appearances, including back-to-back NESCAC titles in 2010 and 2011 and #1 seeds in the NCAA New England Regionals.
Collegiately, Casey was a four-year member of Tufts' baseball team (2004-2007). A team captain in 2007, Casey earned second-team All-New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) honors. He also garnered second-team All-New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) accolades as a SS/P. Casey was the recipient of the Tufts Jit Ricker award, which is given to the individual who exemplifies dedication, loyalty, and competitive desire. He was a member of the 2005-2007 Jumbo teams that made the NESCAC playoffs, including final appearances in 2006 and 2007.
Casey graduated from Tufts in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. In 2010, he earned a Master's degree in Educational Studies from his alma mater. He is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association, and was also a member of the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (2007-12) and Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association (2007-12).
His father, John Casey is in this 39th season as the head baseball coach at Tufts where his brother Brendan is an assistant coach. Brian's other brother Kevin is the head coach at Johnson & Wales.
He will replace C.C. Grant who was the Bears' head baseball coach for the past 14 seasons after serving as an assistant coach for seven years. Grant was named the Coast Guard head football coach in March.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT BRIAN CASEY
TIM CORBIN, Head Baseball Coach, 2019 NCAA Division I National Champion Vanderbilt
I have known the Casey family for years. Teaching and coaching is part of their fibers. The Coast Guard Academy is adding a special young man to their athletic staff. Brian has been a regular participant at our baseball camps for over 10 years and become a friend. I admire everything that he has to offer as a mentor to student athletes. This program will be energized by his personality and investment. I am very excited for the Coast Guard Academy, and of course Brian. Congratulations!
BRIAN MURPHY, Head Coach William & Mary
Congratulations to Coach Casey on earning this great opportunity and congratulations to the Coast Guard Academy for this phenomenal hire! Coach Casey has left an enduring mark on our program and we are very thankful for his loyalty, effort, and many contributions. I have zero doubt that Coast Guard Baseball will be very successful in the near future!
MATT NOONE, Head Coach Babson
Congratulations to USCGA on the hire of one of the best young coaches in the college baseball ranks. Brian Casey who comes from an incredible coaching family has proven to be a top recruiter and baseball mind. His energy and passion for baseball will surely bring Coast Guard to new heights.
JOHN CASEY, Head Coach Tufts and Brian's father
Brian is ready for this challenge, he has prepared himself well with his diverse and successful coaching experiences at Tufts and William & Mary. His attention to detail, team first style and "compete at everything" mantra will fit in well at The Coast Guard Academy. I look forward to watching Brian and Coast Guard Baseball emerge as a program to be reckoned with in the near future.