ELON, N.C. – Elon University baseball coach Mike Kennedy today announced that former University of North Carolina standout Jesse Wierzbicki has joined the Phoenix staff as a volunteer assistant.

"I am very excited to have Jesse join our staff," stated Kennedy. "He comes from a program that has competed and excelled at the highest level. He helped lead North Carolina to two NCAA College World Series appearances. Having played professionally with the Houston Astros organization, along with his experiences while at UNC, Jesse will be very valuable in our efforts to continue to establish a championship level of play and commitment within our program. He is a student of the game and is very knowledgeable. Most important, Jesse is a high-character individual and will make our program and university proud. We are fortunate to have him."

Wierzbicki began his collegiate career at Walters State Community College before spending two seasons with the Tar Heels. In his time in Chapel Hill, Wierzbicki helped UNC to the 2011 College World Series, the program's fifth CWS appearance in six years. He was a first-team All-ACC Tournament Team and collected all-regional accolades in 2011. In 2011, Wierzbicki hit .287 with seven homers and 40 RBI as the Tar Heels went 51-16. His performance at Walters State helped that program to the 2008 JUCO World Series.

Wierzbicki was drafted by Major League Baseball organizations twice. He was first selected in the 40th round of the 2008 draft by the Atlanta Braves. He was then chosen in the 24th round in 2011 by the Houston Astros. Wierzbicki played three seasons in the Astros' farm system, posting a career .271 average with 19 home runs and 136 RBI. In 2012, he was named the MVP oof the Tri-City ValleyCats squad.

In 2015, Wierzbicki served as the associate head coach for the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League after spending the collegiate season as an undergraduate assistant coach at North Carolina.

Wierzbicki earned his bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science-sport administration from UNC in 2015.