Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Austin Heenan of Salisbury University provided us with a look into his recruiting process and offered some advice to players. The Sea Gulls are an NCAA Division III powerhouse that competes in the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference and has become one of the country’s most dominant Division III programs with 7 College World Series appearances, and a 2021 National Championship.
“Find a program that fits your needs, and gives you an opportunity to compete.”
– Coach Heenan, Salisbury University
Quick Facts
| School: | Salisbury University |
| Division: | NCAA Division III |
| Conference: | Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) |
| Location: | Salisbury, MD |
| Student Population: | 8,500 |
| Website: | seagulls.com |
| Twitter: | @SalisburyBB |
| Questionnaire: | Recruit Questionnaire |
Recruiting Q&A – with Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator Austin Heenan
What are your typical scouting methods?
Summer ball, high school, showcases
How do you recommend players contact you if they are interested in your program?
E-mail, twitter
If a player contacts you, what are you most interested in?
Video, academics, schedule
Any general advice for players that want to play college baseball?
Don’t worry about being the flashiest player, become the clean player (master fundamentals).
Any other comments about your program that you’d like to share?
We are a program that prioritizes high school recruits over JUCO & portal. We are successful because the players we recruit WANT to be here, not because we were the backup option behind small D1s. Find a program that fits your needs, and gives you an opportunity to compete.
>> Read more: Recruiting Q&As from college coaches <<
Program Overview – Sea Gulls Baseball
The Salisbury University baseball program is arguably the most consistently dominant program in DIII baseball. With 3 College World Series appearances in the last 8 years, including a 2021 National Championship and 2022 National Runner-Up Finish, the Sea Gulls have a long history of success.
Led by Head Coach Troy Brohawn, a former MLB World Series Champion as a player, the Sea Gulls have a long list of both team and individual accolades. Coach Brohawn has developed three National Players of the Year, and was honored as the 2021 ABCA National Coach of the Year.
The Sea Gulls play at Sea Gull Baseball Stadium, which opened in 2018. It features a turf infield and outfield, with a natural dirt mound. The stadium also features heated dugouts, batting cages, and a wrap-around grandstand with stadium seating.
School Overview – Salisbury University
Salisbury University, also known as SU, is a public university located in Salisbury, Maryland. Founded in 1925, SU has been providing quality education for nearly a century and is now home to over 9,000 students from all over the world. Salisbury, MD is located approximately two hours from Baltimore and Washington DC, which is largely the reason recent graduates report higher-than-average employment and salary opportunities compared nationally.
SU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, education, nursing, and liberal arts. In fact, SU has a reputation for its business and education programs, which are highly rated and respected in the region. In addition to these programs, SU also has a vibrant arts community, with a strong theater program, a popular music department, and a well-respected art department.
One of the unique things about SU is its focus on student success. The university offers a range of services and resources to help students succeed, including tutoring, counseling, and career services. SU also has a strong focus on experiential learning and offers opportunities for students to get hands-on experience in their field of study through internships, co-ops, and research projects.
When it comes to campus life, SU has a lot to offer. The university is home to over 150 student organizations, including clubs, fraternities and sororities, and sports teams. SU also has a thriving Greek life, with over a dozen fraternities and sororities, which are a great way for students to get involved and make new friends. Additionally, SU has a number of recreational facilities, including a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a number of outdoor sports fields.
SU is also known for its beautiful and historic campus. The main campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Holloway Hall, which is the oldest building on campus and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The university also has over 800 acres of natural areas, including the Salisbury University Arboretum, which is home to a variety of indigenous plants and wildlife.
The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, which means that students have plenty of opportunities to interact with their professors and get the personalized attention they need. SU also has a high graduation rate, with over 70% of students completing their degrees within six years.
SU is a relatively affordable option for higher education, with in-state tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year coming in at around $10,000. Additionally, SU is committed to making college accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The university offers a variety of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options to help students cover the cost of tuition and other expenses.
In conclusion, Salisbury University is a great option for students who are looking for a high-quality education at an affordable price. With its focus on student success, experiential learning, and a vibrant campus life, SU is a great place to start your college journey. So if you’re looking for a university that’s dedicated to helping you succeed, Salisbury University might just be the right fit for you!
Closing Remarks
We would like to thank Coach Heenan for providing a look into his recruiting process and philosophy. With all of the recent success of the program, it is clear that the coaching staff at Salisbury has established a culture that brings in talented and hard-working athletes that learn to play as a team.
The size, location, and academics of the school along with the success of the baseball program would provide an excellent opportunity for players looking to compete at the national level. Interested players should keep an eye out for upcoming prospect camps, and follow Coach Heenan’s advice.
Again, we would like to thank Coach Heenan, and we wish the Sea Gulls the best of luck in their upcoming season!
