The Diamond Royals are ready to begin the 2020 baseball season under a new coaching staff. EMU alumni and former assistant coach Adam Posey was named head coach last May. It has been a smooth transition, as Posey was the EMU assistant coach for five seasons prior. Ryan Tierney will also remain a part of the assistant coaching staff while assistant Jordan Miller and graduate assistant Eli Sumpter are two new faces to the program.

Junior Jonathan Nagle said, “The new coaching staff provides a different pace that brings energy into our program. With this faster pace, practices are enjoyable, and each player is more engaged.”

As the former assistant coach, Posey already has experience with the players.

“Knowing their personalities and character, I know how to work with them,” Posey said. “As their coach, my main goal is to see them become one unit and create an identity for themselves. That’s one of the more rewarding aspects of my job.”

Coach Ryan Tierney also had prior experience with the team. Tierney said, “As the pitching coach, I am able to take it towards the direction I want it to go with our guys.”

Senior Bailey Hall will again be depended upon for a large amount of innings and leadership. Additionally, Tierney expects a handful of underclassmen to play key roles this year.

“Gage Riddick had a little bit of time on the mound last year as a freshman, but will be relied on heavier this season,” Tierney says, “Freshmen Tyler Bagent and Skylar Lacks also have electric stuff and I am eager to get them out there.”

Riddick added, “Each year has a different story and our coaches are really focused on player development this season. I feel like we are beginning a new era with the young coaches.”

Finishing last season 16-23-1 overall and 10-12 in the ODAC, EMU earned a tournament bid for the first time since 2015 and tied the program record of conference wins. The team did not advance past the first round, getting swept by top-seed Randolph-Macon, however, with a team composed primarily of upperclassmen, the players look to redeem themselves this season.

Junior infielder Brett Lindsay explained, “Each veteran player on our team demonstrates a lot of leadership. With a team full of older guys who know what to expect, I am excited to see us compete at a high level against some of the hardest teams in the conference.”

The Diamond Royals begin their season in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to compete in a three-game series at North Carolina Wesleyan College.