DURHAM, N.C. – Mark Hayes is set to join to the Duke baseball staff, serving as a volunteer assistant coach, as announced by head coach Chris Pollard. Hayes’ responsibilities will include serving as the hitting coach for the Blue Devils as well as working with the outfielders, coaching third base during games and managing the program’s camps.
“Duke University is getting a great coach, and an even better person, in Mark Hayes,” said Pollard. “He will bring tremendous energy, effort, professionalism and integrity to the Duke baseball program.”
Hayes comes to Duke after eight years as the head baseball coach at Pfeiffer University, where he compiled a 201-230-1 record. Under his guidance, numerous Falcons’ players garnered recognition, including 15 all-conference picks over the past four seasons.
Prior to taking over as head coach of the Falcons’ program, Hayes served as assistant coach on Pollard’s staff at Pfeiffer from 2001-04. During that time, the pair helped guide the Falcons to CVAC conference championship in 2003 and 2004. In addition, the 2004 squad advanced to the NCAA Tournament and ended the year ranked No. 10 in the nation according to Collegiate Baseball magazine.
“Having worked with Mark at Pfeiffer on our 2003 and 2004 CVAC championship squads, I know first-hand how he relates to his players,” added Pollard. “Mark did an incredible job with the program at Pfeiffer over the last eight years as head coach. While he will be missed in the Pfeiffer community, we are thrilled to welcome Mark, his wife Christy and their son Ty to the Duke family.”
Hayes graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a B.A. in Physical Education before earning a master’s degree in 2004 from Pfeiffer in Organizational Change and Leadership.
