Ian Macdonald, who led the Wildcats to the fifth most wins in program history, is leaving to become the Minor League Manager position with the San Francisco Giants organization.
Jeff Pawlik, the Interim Co-Head Coach, said, “We have made it a priority to continue to tell the guys that we’re going to be alright regardless of the changes that are made to the coaching staff. We continue to preach to them that this is a player lead team and that they can rely on each other when adversity comes.”
Pawlik was a team member in 2024 as a grad transfer, where they finished with a total record of 34-15; he had a .250 batting average and a fielding percentage of .990.
The Wildcats started the season with the Visit Kingsport Invitational. The team won 9-2 and 10-3 against West Virginia Institute of Technology and lost 0-2 against Milligan. In thrilling fashion, the Wildcats upset #5 University of the Cumberlands 3-1.
Brock Buckley, Junior, was named to the All-Crossroads League Gold Glove Team in 2024 and has 123 strikeouts recorded in his first two seasons.
“Even with the big change, the focus still stays the same. We just have to go out there every day and take care of business. I think we have the talent and experience to win a lot of games this year,” Buckley said. “We will miss Mac, but we trust the coaching staff and each other. We just have to rely on each other and do our jobs.”
Zach Green, a Senior, transferred from Ivy Tech Community College in 2024 and started 15 games while having a .310 on-base percentage in his first season with the Wildcats.
“My expectations haven’t changed at all. It’s the same for the team. We’re all locked in and focused on the same goal. I expect us to give everything we have for every game to the guys next to us. Doing whatever it takes for the next guy,” Green said.
The Wildcats will travel to Lawrenceville, GA, to play Indiana University Kokomo and #3 Georgia Gwinnett College.
“You can expect from our team this year that there are guys who are going to show up to the field each day ready to give everything they have. They have worked so hard in the fall and preseason to prepare for these games, so I am excited to see what they are able to accomplish,” Pawlik said.
The Wildcats will have their home opener on February 21st against Saint Ambrose University (Iowa) at 12 PM ET.
