FREDERICK, Md. – Mike Victory has been hired as the new head baseball coach at Hood College, Director of Athletics Dr. Susan Kolb announced.
"I would like to thank the search committee as well as Dr. Ricker and Dr. Kolb for this opportunity and putting their faith in me to lead this program into its next chapter," said Victory.
"This is an exciting time for Hood Baseball. The current and former players and coaches have done a great job of putting Hood on the map. Hood College is committed to advancing the program and I am honored to be part of this growth. I cannot wait to get started working with these young men."
Victory arrives after five seasons at the helm of Brevard College in the USA South conference with an 81-84 career record. The Tornado's appeared in their first conference championship while winning their first postseason games under his direction.
"I will always cherish the opportunity I was given at Brevard College," said Victory. "Without their trust in giving me my first head coaching job, I would not be in the position I am today. We built something special in the mountains and I know that program will continue to excel in the region."
The Blazers are coming off their fourth 20-win season in school history with a 23-17 record while clinching a No. 3 seed in the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth playoffs. The squad also contained three all-region, four all-conference, and three honorable mention all-conferece players in the successful season.
"Hood baseball is ready for the Victory era," said Director of Athletics Dr. Susan Kolb. "Coach Victory stood out in a very strong pool of candidates because of his recruiting experience in the region, his philosophy on player development, and his professional values that have led to successful programs at each of his past institutions. We are excited to welcome Coach Victory and his family to Hood College."
Victory joined Brevard College after three seasons as the Assistant Coach at NCAA Division III Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania to go along with extensive experience coaching for the USA Baseball Academy.
Prior to his tenure at Allegheny, Victory spent four seasons as an Assistant Coach at St. Mary's College (Maryland), serving as the team's Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. As a pitching coach, he helped the Seahawks lower their team earned run average in his first season and mentored Capital Athletic Conference standout, Sam Beatty. In addition to his baseball duties, Victory served as an Assistant Coach for the St. Mary's women's basketball program for seven seasons.
Victory is a native of Westford, Massachusetts where he attended Westford Academy. He graduated as a student-athlete from St. Mary's College (Md.) in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He later earned a Master's degree in Teaching in 2013.