By Mariana Poshyvailo //
Mike Victory, a seasoned coach with over a decade of college baseball experience, has recently joined Hood College as the new head baseball coach.
Victory’s coaching journey began at St. Mary’s College in Maryland, where he played as a student-athlete before graduating with a bachelor’s in history in 2012 and a master’s in teaching in 2013. His career has since spanned roles as an assistant coach at St. Mary’s and Allegheny College, and most recently, a five-year tenure as head coach at Brevard College in North Carolina.
“I took a lot from each time I was an assistant,” Victory said. “I learned what not to do, but I also gained the values I want to bring to our team.”
He said his philosophy centers on growth, responsibility, and leadership — qualities he aims to instill in Hood’s players.
While Victory is still getting to know his new team, he’s optimistic about what lies ahead. He recently met some of the players and expressed eagerness to dive into his role. “From everything I’ve heard, they’re really good people, they work hard, and they care about each other,” he noted. His first official meeting with the full team was Nov. 5.
Victory plans to build strong connections with each player, focusing on their academic and athletic aspirations. “Hopefully, I’ll get to know them individually, talk about their academic aspirations, how classes are going, and what brought them here. I want them to understand that I genuinely care about them,” he said.
By fostering these relationships, he hopes to reinforce the commitment of his players and attract new talent who share a similar mindset about Hood College.
As for his goals, Victory’s approach is a mix of continuity and ambition. “My short-term goals are, at the very least, to keep everything the same,” he said, acknowledging the team’s recent success in making the playoffs. “The expectations should be to get to the playoffs again.”
His long-term vision extends beyond the field, with hopes of establishing Hood as a formidable team within the region and eventually making a national impact.
Player development will be a key focus, with Victory drawing on his teaching background to approach each player’s growth in a personalized way. “Differentiated education is essential, making sure every player has his own personal needs and methods addressed,” he explained. This individualized approach is not limited to baseball skills but extends to character-building. He expects players to engage with him off the field, emphasizing mutual respect and open communication.
Victory looks forward to the team’s future games, though for now, he’s focused on training and team building. “The next game is two months away,” he said. “There’s a lot we need to accomplish before then, but when the time comes, it’ll be exciting to play the way we practiced.”
With a commitment to fostering individual growth, a strong academic-athletic balance, and a united team culture, Victory brings a promising vision to Hood College’s baseball program. “I’m excited to be here and glad to be a part of the institution and everything they’re doing,” Victory said.
Be the first to comment