NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Monday the hiring of Adrian Holloway as head coach of its recently relaunched baseball program.
     "We are excited to have recruited Adrian Holloway as the head coach of our baseball program," XULA President Dr. Reynold Verret said. "We look forward to baseball thriving at the university and enriching the remarkable academic environment at Xavier University of Louisiana."
     Said Holloway: "It is an honor and privilege to be given this opportunity to bring baseball back to Xavier University of Louisiana. Together we will build a program that will leave a legacy for years to come with emphasis on development of young men on and off the field. My goal is to build a program that the Xavier family and the city of New Orleans will be proud of. We will hit the ground running in recruiting top talent to revitalize baseball at Xavier."
     Holloway was the head coach the past six seasons (2014-19) at Selma University in Selma, Ala. During that time the Bulldogs' accomplishments included:
     •  A 117-59 (.665) record.
     •  Six consecutive national tournament appearances.
     •  World Series appearances in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association in 2019, 2018 and 2014.
     •  No. 1 power rankings in the USCAA in 2019 and 2018, plus a No. 1 ranking in the USCAA in 2014.
     •  Top-10 rankings in the National Christian College Athletic Association: No. 6 in 2015 and No. 10 in 2016.
     •  Individuals selected for 11 HBCU All-America awards.
     "Xavier University is excited to welcome Adrian Holloway to Team Gold," said Jason Horn, XULA's assistant vice president for student affairs / director of athletics and recreation. "Adrian has achieved at a high level at the small-college level and understands the big picture of program and student-athlete development. He will prove to be an outstanding choice to lead the rebirth of our baseball program."
     Holloway is a native of Selma and a graduate of Alabama State University, where he played infield and outfield for three seasons. He was chosen NCCAA South Region Coach of the Year in 2017. Holloway also served as Selma University's athletics director the past three years (2016-19).
     XULA announced Sept. 24 that baseball would return for the 2020-21 academic year. The Gold Rush will complete for regional and national honors in the NAIA, which will have 190 baseball teams in 2019-20. This will be XULA's first intercollegiate baseball program since 1960.

What They're Saying About Adrian Holloway

Tarrik Brock, Pittsburgh Pirates First Base Coach
     "Xavier couldn't get a better guy than Adrian Holloway. I could not be happier for him. I've known him for the last three years and have developed an unbelievable relationship with him. We talk about baseball, family, life. The Xavier program will flourish and grow, and Adrian knows he has my support. His biggest strengths are his care, his wanting to teach, and his ability to build relationships. He will build strong men and lead them, but he will also be flexible."