E-Mail: wskelley@samford.edu

Shayne Kelley enters his third season on the coaching staff at Samford. He serves as the Bulldogs' outfield coach, assists with hitters, coordinates the strength and conditioning program, and handles summer league placement for current players.

In his first year, Kelley's outfield had an outstanding season with several members among the team's top performers offensively, including freshman Bear Burnett, who led the team in batting average.

Following the season, Kelley coordinated a group of college baseball players from around the country on a combination mission trip and baseball competition in the Dominican Republic for two weeks. In addition to his duties as the team's head coach, he led the team to various locations for mission work with area youth.

Kelley came to Samford with a wealth of baseball coaching experience. Kelley coached in the Kansas City Royals organization at every level from rookie ball up to spring training for the major leagues. Handling a variety of aspects within the organization, his main area of expertise was the coordination of the Royals' strength and conditioning program.

Before his time with the Royals, Kelley was an assistant baseball coach at the University of Alabama. He was head of the strength and conditioning program, and coached pitchers and catchers from 1996 to 1999. He coached 14 players who went on to careers in professional baseball, including three who made it to the major leagues. The 1997 team at Alabama finished second at the College World Series, and the 1997 and 1999 teams won the SEC Tournament.

Before his time at Alabama, Kelley worked extensively with Athletes in Action. He started his coaching career at Gadsden State Community College, where he coached from 1990 to 1991.

Kelley recently earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two sons, Rocky Kohl, 1, and newborn Kooper Brock.