By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With the summer beginning to finally show signs of dying down and creeping closer to the fall, the Tennessee Tech baseball team rounded out its coaching staff by the announcing the hiring of Connor Tracy as a volunteer assistant coach.
Tracy joins the Golden Eagle staff following two seasons as an assistant coach at Columbia State Community College. He will help the Tech baseball staff in every aspect of the program with a focus on assisting head coach Matt Bragga with the pitching staff.
"People sometimes overlook the volunteer position," Bragga commented, "but it's a vital piece to our staff. When you look at the numbers, there are really only around 1,200 individuals coaching baseball at the Division I level, so any addition we make to our staff has to be a great fit. We fully believe we found that with Connor."
Tracy joined the Chargers for the 2015 season after spending the previous two years at the University of Tennessee and obtaining his masters degree in Sport Management. During his time in Knoxville, Tracy coached travel teams at RBI Head First Athletics, primarily working with hitters and catchers and assisting with the pitchers. He coached 12U RBI Team Wilson, 12U RBI Blazers and assisted with the West Valley Middle School team as well.
While At Columbia State, Tracy was in charge of working with the catchers and assisting with hitting instruction. He also assisted in recruiting student-athletes that were exceptional in the classroom as well as on the field. He focused on developing the young men to be great teammates and preparing them to compete on the DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and Professional levels.
"When we look to fill that spot on our staff," Bragga continued, "we want experience and energy. Connor fits both bills there. We're excited he's joining us from Columbia State and got to work with Mike Corn there. Mike has a done great things with that team and having someone from his staff join ours is welcome."
Prior to Columbia State, Tracy had four years of collegiate baseball experience at Middle Tennessee State University, where he played under Coach Steve Peterson and Coach Jim McGuire. He graduated in May of 2013 with a bachelor's degree in organizational communication.
In four seasons at Middle Tennessee, Tracy played in over 15 games, making four start behind the plate and as a DH. He also served as the bullpen catcher early in his career. During his tenure at MTSU, he played in two summer collegiate baseball leagues, the Ohio Valley Collegiate Baseball League, and Myrtle Beach Collegiate Baseball League.
"Anytime we can bring in a different perspective," Bragga said, "it's a good addition. Connor is very knowledgeable, particularly for a 25-year-old coach. His class and energy will invaluable for us and we hope to keep him for a long time."
A Shelbyville, Tenn. native, Tracy lettered for four seasons in baseball and football at Shelbyville Central High School. He received All-District honors as a senior after batting .320 and leading his team to the District 8-AAA regular season championship. His father, Jim, who serves as a Tennessee State Senator, played baseball at Freed-Hardeman and UT Martin.
