NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana announced Tuesday the hiring of Xavier Paul as baseball head coach. He began his duties Monday (Nov. 11, 2024).
        Paul coached amateur baseball for 10 years, most recently in 2021 and 2022 in the Appalachian League, a collegiate summer league in partnership with Major League Baseball and USA Baseball.
        "I am grateful to Xavier University for this opportunity to lead the baseball program," Paul said. "My teams will be hard-working and dedicated to achieving the highest level of success in the classroom and on the baseball field."
        Paul played six MLB seasons as an outfielder from 2009-14. He helped the Cincinnati Reds in 2012 win the National League Central Division. Paul also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks.
        The Dodgers in 2003 drafted Paul in the fourth round — 121st overall out of 1,480 selected.
        "We're very happy to announce that Coach Xavier Paul is joining the Xavier family," said Pat Kendrick, XULA's executive director of athletics and recreation. "With his experience and knowledge of the game, we're excited to see what's in store for Xavier baseball."
        Paul hit .444 for Team USA at the 2003 Pan American Games and was a member of the 2001 junior national team that won a gold medal at the world championships. As a senior in 2003 at Slidell High School, Paul was selected Mr. Baseball — awarded annually to the state's best prep player — by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Paul played his final two prep seasons in his hometown after starring for Archbishop Rummel High School of Metairie, La., in 2000 and 2001.
        Paul signed with Tulane but bypassed college baseball for the Dodgers' professional offer.
        Paul received in 2022 a bachelor of arts in business administration from American Intercontinental University.
        Of XULA's 10 current head coaches, Paul is the only one with a Wikipedia page.
        This is the second era of XULA baseball. The program competed in 2021 for the first time since 1960. The Gold Rush in 2024 were 18-23 overall and 11-19 in the NAIA's Red River Athletic Conference.
        The 2025 Gold Rush will open the regular season Jan. 31 and open the Red River schedule Feb. 14.

What they're saying about Xavier Paul
Dennis Cousin, XULA director of athletics from 2004-13
        "Xavier Paul is a great baseball guy I have known for more than 30 years. In all my years in athletics I have never met anyone better as a player and a person."

John Lindsey, Los Angeles Dodgers teammate
        "Xavier Paul was an incredible player, true friend and teammate. During my time with the Dodgers, he was the guy who always hustled and played the game the right way. Xavier was a great teammate both on and off the field."

Matt Paul, MLB player agent and brother of Xavier Paul
        "Xavier's journey as a former MLB player and his strong passion to empower the next generation of leaders in this community through action, discipline and integrity will deeply align with the core values and rich culture of Xavier University."

Sam Abney, Xavier Paul's coach at Slidell High School
        "Xavier is a great young man, and he'll be great with young people. He was one of my favorites. As a player he had all the talent in the world. Y'all got a gem there. He'll be a great addition to your staff."