Elon, N.C.- The Elon baseball program and head coach Mike Kennedy has announced the hiring of Ryan Conroy as the program's new pitching coach. A former Phoenix pitcher from 2016-18, Conroy joins the Phoenix after five years in the Baltimore Orioles farm system and a stint with Cressey Sports Performance as a pitching coach.
 
"I am ecstatic with this hire. Ryan IS Elon!  He played here. Played at a high level. He loves to compete. He understands the culture and commitment it takes both on the field and in the classroom to be successful," said head coach Mike Kennedy. "He understands how I tick, and he understands the passion I have for this great university. He cares deeply about the history of this program and those like him who poured everything they had into Elon Baseball. He worked tirelessly to be a great player and now will do the same in developing our pitching staff. Ryan is one of the best young pitching minds in baseball. The impact he will have on the development of our pitching staff will be immeasurable. If you are serious about development, there will not be a better fit. You will get better here!"
 
Conroy joins the Phoenix coaching staff after five seasons in pro baseball where he reached as high as AAA in the Orioles' farm system. Conroy has spent the last year with Cressey Sports Performance as a pitching coach. During his time with Cressey, he worked directly with MLB All-Star and former Elon pitcher George Kirby. He also worked collaboratively with other pros such as Tanner Houck, Nick Pivetta and Jesus Luzardo.
 
During his time in the pros, he appeared in 98 games and compiled 226 professional innings. He most recently spent time with the Norfolk Tides, the Orioles AAA affiliate in 2023. Conroy was drafted by the Orioles in the eighth round of the 2018 MLB Draft after he spent three years in the maroon & gold. At Elon, he struck out 163 batters over three seasons in over 200 career innings pitched. Conroy, along with Kyle Brnovich and George Kirby, formed the Phoenix weekend rotation in 2018. The trio all spent time at the AAA-level or higher and were all drafted in the top eight rounds of the MLB Draft.
 
What they're saying:
 
"Ryan knows firsthand what it takes to make the jump every college player dreams about, and his deep knowledge of biomechanics and how to maintain peak performance throughout a season makes him an absolute gold mine for any pitcher.  As an alum, knowing Ryan bleeds maroon and gold and fully understands the expectations here, I couldn't be more fired up!  Huge day for Elon Baseball!"  Mike Melillo – Elon Graduate /  2010 Milwaukee Brewers Draft Pick
 
"I'm very excited to have Ryan Conroy joining the Elon Baseball coaching staff.  Ryan was not only a great player as a Phoenix but also excelled at the Professional Level.  He has proven knowledge as a pitching coach at Cressey Sports Performance where he has had the opportunity to work with some of the best arms is all of baseball…including Elon alumni.  I'm very excited to see him develop Elon's current players and fortunate to have him join an already great coaching staff.  Elon is gaining a great coach who will have a lasting impact on the University."  Kyle Brnovich – Elon Alum / Triple A Pitcher Baltimore Orioles