Harrogate, TN - The Lincoln Memorial baseball team will have a new pitching coach for the upcoming season. Mark Branz has accepted the position and brings a lot of principal experience with him. Most recently, Branz was the assistant baseball coach for in-conference Lenoir-Rhyne, helping lead the Bears to a 30-22 record throughout his time with the team. Prior to that, he worked with Driveline Baseball as an Academy Skills Coordinator. He was also a pitching intern with the company from June to July of 2022, prior to making the jump to Academy Skills Coordinator.

Lincoln Memorial baseball head coach Justin Haywood emphasized Branz's previous experience in the conference, as well as his time with Driveline Baseball, highlighting the parallels between his time at each stop and player development.

"After a thorough search, Coach Branz stood out to me having a personable and professional approach to coaching," said Haywood. "He has prior experience in the South Atlantic Conference, having spent a year at Lenoir-Rhyne under Coach Ramirez, so I am confident that he brings with him a passion for competition and player development. His experience with Driveline is also something that will be an asset to our player development, and I look forward to getting him around our players, recruits and their families".

Branz called to attention the prestige of the university as well as the success of the baseball team and support of the community throughout his hiring process, citing his excitement and eagerness to join the baseball team and get to work.

"I'd first like to thank Coach Haywood for offering me the opportunity to lead the pitching staff," said Branz. "I couldn't be more excited to become a part of this incredible university, its baseball team, and the local community. Throughout the hiring process, I was repeatedly impressed by the coaching and support staffs here at Lincoln Memorial University. It's a great honor to be joining them, and I look forward to assisting with the baseball program's ongoing pursuit of excellence both on and off the field."