April 14, 2010

Pressley Named Head Baseball Coach at Anderson University

Release courtesy of Anderson University

ANDERSON, IN - For the first time in 38 years there will be a new head baseball coach at Anderson University. University officials recently announced that current assistant coach David Pressley will succeed the retiring Don Brandon as the new head coach for the Ravens baseball team. Brandon started coaching at Anderson College in the fall of 1968 and will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2010 baseball season in May.

“Replacing a coaching legend like Don Brandon is a tall task; however, I am very excited for our opportunity to hire David Pressley as our next baseball coach,” said Dr. Brent Baker, vice-president for Student Life and Dean of Students. “He brings great baseball experience and will be a fine representative of all that Anderson University represents. We look forward to continuing our successful baseball program under Coach Pressley's leadership.”

Pressley is currently in his third season with the AU baseball coaching staff. With Pressley’s assistance in 2007-08, Anderson achieved a 24-14 record and fell shy of the post season by just one game. The Ravens posted a record of 22-16 during the 2008-09 regular season and advanced to the conference tournament. In addition to coaching, Pressley also serves as the director of recruiting for the Ravens baseball program. Under his management, Pressley has worked to make improvements to the current recruiting strategy and ongoing management of the program. In his current role, Pressley has assisted head coach Don Brandon in all areas of the program—including practices and scheduling.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to name David Pressley as our next baseball coach,” said Marcie Taylor, athletic director at Anderson University. “David has demonstrated his knowledge of the game, a passion for each players’ development and a commitment to Anderson University during his time as an assistant. We are excited about the future of the program under David's direction and believe that the successful and storied program built by longtime coach Don Brandon is in very capable hands.”

Pressley was a four-year letterman in baseball at The University of Alabama-Huntsville. He earned his bachelor's degree in Marketing/Business Administration from Alabama-Huntsville in 2006. This coming May, he will be receiving a Master’s in Theological Studies from the Anderson University School of Theology during commencement ceremonies, May 8. Pressley and his wife Marisha reside in Anderson and attend The Bridge Community Church in Anderson.

"I am very grateful to Marcie Taylor and the administrators of our University for showing confidence in my ability to lead the baseball team here at Anderson University,” said David Pressley. “I feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I am very excited to have this opportunity to work with such a great group of people. We have great players and even better people on our baseball team and I am proud to have the opportunity to be their leader.

“I could not comment on being given this opportunity without thanking Don Brandon most of all,” added Pressley. “Coach Brandon gave me a great opportunity to join his coaching staff in the fall of 2007 and has trusted me with a great deal of responsibility since that point. I will forever be grateful to Don Brandon for his hand in helping me find my calling in life."