Presbyterian College baseball has witnessed a significant leadership change with the promotion of John O’Neil to Associate Head Coach. This move comes after his six years of dedicated service as an assistant coach. Elton Pollock, the baseball head coach, expressed his excitement and honor in announcing this promotion. O’Neil's loyalty, integrity, passion, and consistency have been integral to the program since his arrival seven years ago.

Unlock the Success Story of Presbyterian College Baseball's Coaching Transition

John O’Neil's Impact on the 2024 Season

During the historic 2024 season, John O’Neil played a crucial role in guiding the Blue Hose to their first-ever Big South Regular Season Title. The team achieved an impressive 29 wins, with an outstanding 18-6 record in league play. Under his leadership, seven Blue Hose players received a total of 10 Big South postseason accolades. Joel Dragoo was named Big South Player of the Year, Daniel Eagen earned Big South Pitcher of the Year, and four players were honored with First Team All-Big South honors. This remarkable achievement showcases O’Neil's coaching prowess and his ability to bring out the best in his players.O’Neil's influence extended beyond individual accolades. His leadership style and work ethic set the tone for the team's culture. His players respected him and followed his lead, which led to the team's success. His attention to detail and strategic planning were evident in every game, and his players responded with exceptional performances.

O’Neil's Contributions to the Program's Success

Since joining Presbyterian College, O’Neil has been instrumental in the program's growth and success. He has helped the team amass 126 victories, with 73 of those coming against Big South opponents. Over his tenure, he has coached 20 student-athletes to postseason honors, including five First Team selections, 10 Second Team honorees, four Honorable Mentions, and one All-Freshman Team member. His impact on the program is undeniable, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.In 2021, O’Neil led the Blue Hose to their first Big South Championship title, which earned the program its first-ever berth in the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament. This was a significant milestone for the program, and O’Neil's leadership was instrumental in achieving this goal. His ability to motivate his players and prepare them for the challenges of postseason play was evident in their performance.

O’Neil's First Year with Presbyterian College

In 2019, O’Neil's first year with Presbyterian College marked the program's second 30-win campaign during the Division I era. This was a testament to his coaching abilities and his ability to build a winning team. His players responded to his coaching and worked hard to achieve success. His attention to detail and his ability to develop players' skills were evident in their performance on the field.O’Neil's impact on the program extends beyond wins and losses. He has helped shape the culture of the team and has instilled a sense of pride and belonging in his players. His players respect him and look up to him as a role model, and his influence will be felt for years to come.