BALTIMORE- Notre Dame of Maryland University and the NDMU athletic department are pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Backert as the department's inaugural baseball head coach. The new program will begin competition in NCAA Division III and the United East Conference starting in the 2024-25 academic year.
Backert joins the Gators after serving as the head baseball coach at CCBC Dundalk for the past four years. CCBC Dundalk reached new heights during his tenure, earning a berth in the NJCAA Region 20 Division II tournament in 2022. Backert consistently grew the program, increasing the team's talent level by bringing in players from across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Backert has a clear vision for the program he would like to develop at NDMU.
"I want to build a team that consists of high-character, hardworking young men that take great pride in what we do," said Backert. "I want each of them to be students first, while also contributing to the NDMU community. By building a team guided by these principles, a successful and impactful future is assured."
In addition to coaching at CCBC Dundalk, Backert is the president and founder of the Maryland Baseball Club. His organization provides aspiring baseball players with every tool and resource necessary to become the best baseball player they can become to achieve their personal baseball goals. The club offers teams ranging from 12u to 18u that take part in showcases around the region.
Backert sees the value in building strong, personal relationships with his players.
"One of my favorite elements of baseball is the relationship that I am able to build with my guys," he said. "There is something special about being a part of a team working together to achieve a common goal. Those relationship between the players, the coaching staff and myself last a lifetime and leave a bigger impression that goes beyond the game of baseball."
Backert graduated from Neumann University in 2006 with his BA in Sports Management and Business Administration. While at Neumann, Backert served as a team captain for both the soccer and baseball squads. In addition to coaching, Backert works as a physical education and health teacher at the Highlands School, where he teaches students from fourth through 12th grade.