The University of Mary Washington has named Kelly Swiney as its new head baseball coach, as announced by Interim Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. Swiney had been the head baseball coach at Westminster College for two seasons after coaching at his alma mater, Allegheny College, for nine seasons.
"I am grateful and honored to be named head baseball coach at Mary Washington", said Swiney. "I would like to thank Dr. Keith Mellinger, Patrick Catullo, and the entire search committee for this wonderful opportunity. I was thoroughly impressed by the University and everyone I met during this process. I'm looking forward to leading a baseball program with a rich tradition of success. My players will strive to be great in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. I can't wait to get started working with the team. My wife Julie and I, along with our two children, Will and Rose, are excited to join the UMW community. Go Eagles!
In eight of his nine seasons as the Gators' head coach, Swiney guided the team to winning seasons, including a trip to the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Tournament Championship game in 2013.
"We look forward to having Coach Swiney join UMW Athletics to be the next head coach of the baseball program and continue the team's tradition of excellence", said Catullo. "Coach Swiney's experience and coaching ability will be a great asset to the team and the department."
In 2017, Swiney coached the Gators to a 23-17 season, marking the team's fifth consecutive 20-win campaign. During the season, Swiney earned his 200th career victory at Allegheny, making him just the fourth coach in the 130-year history of the program to reach the milestone. While at his alma mater, he coached three All-Americans, one Academic All-American, three NCAC Pitchers of the Year, one NCAC Player of the Year, and one NCAC Newcomer of the Year.
Prior to Allegheny, Swiney served as an assistant coach for two seasons at Amherst College (Mass.) under coach Bill Thurston. During his tenure, the Lord Jeffs competed in two New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Tournaments, with a runner-up finish in 2008.
Before Amherst, Swiney spent time as an assistant coach at Washington and Jefferson College, Thiel College, and King's College (Pa.). The 2003 Thiel team won the program's first Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) title in 21 years, and broke the school record for wins in a season. During his time at Washington & Jefferson, Swiney helped the team to a 66-28 record over two seasons including a school-record 34 wins in 2006. Additionally, the Presidents won the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) South Region Tournament Championship in 2005 and 2006.
Swiney also served as the head coach for the Ohio Warhawks Baseball Club from 2005-2008, posting a 161-38 record and winning 12 tournament championships. In 2008, Swiney led the Warhawks to a National Runner Up finish at the 18U C.A.B.A. World Series.
As a player, Swiney was a three-year starter for the Gators in the outfield. He finished his career with a .356 career batting average, and currently ranks fourth on the all-time list for doubles in a season with 17. He was named to the All-NCAC Second Team as a senior in 1999. Swiney was also a part of the 1997 and 1999 NCAC Championship teams; the 1997 team set the school record for victories with 40. During his playing career, Allegheny took part in three NCAA playoff-runs, including two regional runner-up finishes in 1996 and 1997.
"I'm looking forward to meeting and working with the current team and incoming freshmen," Swiney said. "I expect to build a program that will consistently compete for CAC championships and rise to be one of the best in the region and nation."