Winning continues to be the tradition for Mike Kennedy and the Elon baseball program as the skipper enters his 29th season as head coach in 2025.
His previous 28 Elon teams have collected 20 winning records and 18 campaigns of 30 or more victories, all while consistently playing against many of the country’s finest programs.
His 2006 squad set a school record with 45 victories, while the 2008 team captured the program’s first NCAA Division I league tournament title. Kennedy’s program has won four Southern Conference regular-season crowns, two league tournament titles and one Colonial Athletic Association regular-season title.
With each victory, Kennedy adds to his record for the most wins by an Elon baseball coach that he set in 2003. In his 27 seasons, Kennedy has guided the Phoenix to 836 victories. Over the last 24 seasons, Elon has recorded 32 victories over opponents ranked in the top 25. In his tenure, Kennedy has led his program to 58 victories over Atlantic Coast Conference opponents.
Kennedy has coached 71 all-conference honorees, including 36 first-team selections; 24 conference all-tournament picks; three league players of the year; three league pitchers of the year; five league freshmen of the year; seven freshman All-Americans; and two academic All-Americans. He’s also helped 52 Phoenix players develop into MLB Draft selections.
The 2023 season saw the Phoenix reach new national heights under Kennedy. The Phoenix beat No.2 Wake Forest at Latham Park for the highest ranked win ever at home for the Phoenix. The win over No.2 is the first win over the second ranked team in the country ever. It is the highest ranked win for the Phoenix since Elon defeated No.1 Clemson in 2002. Elon also defeated another top-10 opponent in No.9 Campbell giving the Phoenix wins over two top-10 teams at home for the first time ever. Elon finished with a record of 33-22, giving Elon their first 30-win season since 2019. The 19 conference wins were tied for the most in the CAA era with the 2019 team. Pitcher Shea Sprague and outfielder Justin Cassella were named first-team all conference while Joe Savino, Cole Reynolds, Luke Stephenson, and Ryan Sprock were named honorable mention. Sprock and pitcher Justin Mitrovich were also named to the all-rookie team.
The 2022 season featured two memorable milestones as Kennedy earned his 800th career victory with a 5-4 walk-off win over Towson on May 13 and Elon hosted the CAA Championship at Latham Park, marking the first conference tournament hosted by the Phoenix since 1994. Elon finished the year with a 27-28 overall record and a 9-14 mark in CAA play. Alex Iadisernia and Shea Sprague each earned first-team All-CAA honors, with Sprague adding CAA Co-Rookie of the Year and Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America accolades to his resume. Brian Edgington and Ben Simon made the All-CAA second team, while Luke Stephenson received honorable mention honors and Charlie Granatell joined Sprague on the All-Rookie team. Iadisernia and Trevor Kirk went on to be selected in the MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals (seventh round) and New York Yankees (20th), respectively.
The 2021 season saw the Phoenix finish 22-22 overall with a 10-8 mark in conference play. Alex Iadisernia and Joe Sprake represented the maroon and gold on the All-CAA first team, with Iadisernia adding Co-Rookie of the Year en route to Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America honors. Anthony Galason landed on the All-CAA second team, and Justin Cassella joined Iadisernia on the All-Rookie team. Elon had a pair of walk-off victories against VCU on Feb. 27-28, then secured a 2-1 upset of No. 8 East Carolina behind strong pitching from Spencer Bauer and Brian Edgington on March 27. The Phoenix also earned a CAA sweep of William & Mary on April 10-11, with Edgington tossing a complete-game shutout in the series finale. On May 8 in Winston-Salem, N.C., a five-run top of the sixth inning led Elon to a 5-2 win over Wake Forest. Elon entered the 2021 CAA Championship as the No. 3 seed and opened the tournament with a 7-3 win over the sixth-seeded Tribe. The Phoenix then fell to No. 2 UNCW 2-0 before dropping its elimination game 6-2 to Charleston.
In 2020, Kennedy guided the program to a 6-1 start, the program’s best since 2014. This included sweeps of Delaware State and UMass-Lowell at home. Additionally, Elon beat Illinois at home to open their final series of the year, defeating a Big Ten opponent for the first time since sweeping Penn State to open the 2015 season.
Kennedy was named the 2019 CAA Coach of the Year after guiding the Phoenix to its first CAA regular-season title with a 19-5 record in league play. Elon won seven of eight conference series – highlighted by four sweeps – and went on a run of 12 consecutive CAA wins. The 2019 season marked the 17th time the Phoenix reached 30 wins during his tenure. It was also his fifth Coach of the Year honor and fourth during Elon's D1 era. The 2019 campaign also saw George Kirby selected as the CAA Pitcher of the Year and become the program's highest pick in the MLB Draft as he was taken by Seattle Mariners in the first round (20th overall). Additionally, Kyle Brnovich, Ty Adcock, and Cam Devanney were all chosen in the Draft. The Phoenix compiled a 33-24 overall record en route to reaching the CAA Championship final for the first time in program history.
The 2018 season saw Kennedy’s staff notch 575 strikeouts, a new program record. Ryne Ogren and Kyle Brnovich earned first-team All-Conference honors. The pair were joined by second-team selections in Cam Devanney, Zach Evers, George Kirby and Garrett Stonehouse. Additionally, Joe Satterfield picked up third-team honors while Jared Wetherbee was named to the CAA All-Rookie team. Brnovich also earned multiple All-America nods and was chosen to represent the United States as a member of the 2018 USA Collegiate Baseball National Team. Kennedy also saw two of his players selected in the 2018 MLB Draft: pitcher Ryan Conroy went to the Baltimore Orioles and Ogren was grabbed by the Seattle Mariners. Pitcher Robbie Welhaf signed a free-agent deal with the Detroit Tigers.
During the 2017 season, Kennedy saw his pitching staff toss a pair of no-hitters. Robbie Welhaf tossed the first, no-hitting Longwood for the program's first no-no since 1989. Jordan Barrett and George Kirby later combined to no-hit the College of Charleston for the first no-hitter ever thrown in the CAA Tournament. The pitching staff also established a new program record with 491 strikeouts. That squad boasted four all-conference players and two all-rookie selections, including the 2017 CAA Rookie of the Year in pitcher Kyle Brnovich. Brnovich also collected a pair of freshman All-America honors. Barrett was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2017 Draft.
In 2016, the Phoenix’s second as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, Elon posted a 13-10 conference record to finish third. During the year, Elon defeated 16th-ranked East Carolina on the road, marking the program’s first win at ECU since 2007. Five Phoenix players earned All-CAA honors and two were named to the league’s all-rookie squad. Elon saw two players chosen in the 2016 MLB Draft.
Kennedy guided Elon through its first CAA season in 2015. The Phoenix finished the year with a 13-11 league mark, good for fourth in the conference. Along the way, Elon claimed two victories over 22nd-ranked UNCW. At the end of the year, Elon placed four players on the All-CAA squads and had one player named to the league’s all-rookie team while two players collected all-state accolades. Outfielder Ryan Cooper became just the seventh Elon player to earn ABCA all-region honors.
During the 2014 season, Kennedy scored his 600th career victory when the Phoenix claimed a 12-2 win over Wofford on April 12. The squad boasted the 2014 SoCon Player of the Year in Casey Jones, who also earned All-America honors from three organizations. Senior pitcher Ryan Pennell was also drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays.
The 2013 squad claimed the program’s ninth consecutive top-three SoCon finish, as the maroon and gold tied for second in the regular season. Kennedy’s Phoenix then put together a run through the SoCon Tournament, winning five straight games after dropping its tournament opener to clinch the league title and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In NCAA Regional play in Charlottesville, Va., the Phoenix notched one of many firsts under Kennedy as the team advanced to its first-ever regional final. That team finished with a record of 34-30 overall and 18-11 in SoCon play. It marked the 14th consecutive season with at least 30 victories for the program. Three Elon players collected All-SoCon honors, including league player of the year Ryan Kinsella, who finished the season ranked second nationally in home runs and RBIs. Kinsella also earned All-America distinction from three organizations and became the program’s first ABCA all-region selection since 2009. Following the 2013 campaign, five Elon players were chosen in the MLB Draft, giving the program a total of 24 MLB Draft picks in a five-year span.
In 2012, Kennedy led his Phoenix to yet another top-three finish in the SoCon as Elon went 33-26 overall and 20-10 in league action. At the conclusion of the season, two Elon players were selected in the MLB Draft. Two Phoenix standouts were also recognized with All-Southern Conference accolades.
During the 2011 season, Kennedy collected his 500th career victory as his Phoenix shutout league rival Georgia Southern 9-0 on April 24. The squad won the program’s fourth SoCon regular-season crown by churning out 23 league victories. Overall, the team posted a 36-21 record. Following the year, four Elon players were selected in the MLB Draft and a fifth signed a free-agent contract. Four members of the squad were also recognized with all-league accolades, including John Brebbia, who was chosen as the SoCon Pitcher of the Year. Infielder Sebastian Gomez was honored as a member of the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America team.
In 2010, Elon earned its third consecutive NCAA regional berth, appearing in the Atlanta Regional for the second straight year. The Phoenix posted a 38-24 overall record. Included in Elon’s 6-1 mark against the ACC were two victories over fifth-ranked Clemson and a decision over 20th-ranked North Carolina. At the conclusion of the season, six Elon players were chosen in the MLB Draft and another signed a free-agent contract. A total of six Phoenix players were named to either the all-conference or all-freshman teams.
Prior to the start of the 2009 season, Kennedy was selected to serve as the pitching coach for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team during the summer. With USA Baseball, Kennedy was reunited with his mentor Rick Jones, a former head coach at both Elon and Tulane. Under Kennedy’s guidance, Team USA’s pitching staff recorded a 2.16 ERA in the squad’s 24 games that summer. In 212 2/3 innings, the staff surrendered 51 earned runs on just 118 hits. The pitchers also fanned 282 hitters and held opponents to a .164 batting average. Under Kennedy, Team USA threw the first-ever no-hitter against international competition. The squad captured the 2009 World Baseball Challenge title.
In 2009, the Phoenix took home the regular-season SoCon title for the second straight year and third time in four years. Kennedy’s squad finished the SoCon season with a 22-3 record and went 41-18 overall. Elon earned a berth as the No. 2 seed in the Atlanta Regional of the 2009 NCAA College Baseball World Series. The team also collected the program’s first top-25 finish at the Division I level, ranking 24th in the final Baseball America poll. Elon also checked in at 27th in the last National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association top-30 poll and was among the squads receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top-25. The 2009 season delivered numerous accolades as Kennedy was chosen as the league’s coach of the year for the third time in his career while junior infielder Chase Austin was honored as the SoCon’s Co-Player of the Year. Seven different players earned all-league distinction. The program also had an Elon-record seven players chosen in the MLB Draft. Two players were chosen as All-Americans by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
Kennedy’s 2008 team claimed its second Southern Conference regular-season title in three years after posting a 19-8 league mark and a 44-18 overall record. The team also won its first-ever SoCon Tournament title, cruising through the league’s showcase to earn its third NCAA Regional bid. During the 2008 season, the Phoenix defeated fourth-ranked North Carolina 2-0 – marking the program’s 18th victory over a top-25 foe since the beginning of the 1999 season. With a good season came the expected accolades as Kennedy was named the Southern Conference’s Coach of the Year by both his peers and the league’s media. Elon also boasted the league’s pitcher of the year in Steven Hensley, the league’s freshman of the year in Thomas Girdwood and five players who collected all-league accolades. Hensley was also honored as an All-American, the first for Elon at the NCAA Division I level, while Girdwood was named a freshman All-American.
In 2007, the 32-29 Phoenix finished third in the Southern Conference with a 15-12 league mark. The 2007 campaign saw Elon pick up three victories over teams ranked in the top-25 – No. 11 Miami, No. 17 Clemson and No. 24 College of Charleston. Elon set a new attendance mark during the 2007 season as well, drawing 1,811 fans to witness the Phoenix host the No. 1-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. It was the second time during the season that Elon set a new attendance mark. Earlier in the year, 1,421 fans turned out to watch the Phoenix take on top-ranked South Carolina at Latham Park, the first time that a No. 1-ranked team had ever visited Elon in any sport at the NCAA Division I level. The 2007 squad also featured two players who earned all-conference accolades.
In 2006, Kennedy led his team to its first-ever SoCon regular-season title with a 21-6 league record. The team also collected its second NCAA Division I Tournament berth in five seasons, participating in the Clemson Regional as the number two seed. In the regional’s opening game, the Phoenix knocked off third-seeded Mississippi State by a 5-4 margin for the first NCAA Division I Tournament victory in any sport at Elon. Kennedy also led his team to its first-ever NCAA Division I national ranking as the Phoenix appeared at No. 25 in Baseball America’s poll on May 22. The 2006 squad also earned a win over a top-25 team, defeating No. 14 South Carolina. For his efforts, Kennedy was honored as the 2006 SoCon Coach of the Year while five Phoenix players earned all-conference recognition. Elon also boasted the 2006 SoCon Freshman of the Year in Hensley.
In 2005, the skipper paced his Phoenix to a 32-25 overall record and an 18-12 Southern Conference mark, good enough to tie for third place in the 11-team league. Two members of that squad earned All-Southern Conference distinction. The 2005 Phoenix squad claimed wins over a pair of nationally ranked opponents – No. 6 North Carolina and No. 22 Coastal Carolina (twice) – as well as SEC member Auburn.
In 2004, Elon’s first year in the Southern Conference, Kennedy led his Phoenix to a 31-28 overall record and a 17-13 conference mark to finish fourth in the league. Four different players were honored with all-conference accolades.
The 2003 campaign was one for the record books. On the heels of the university’s first-ever at-large bid to an NCAA Division I tournament in any sport, Kennedy made his mark by putting his name at the top of the list of Elon’s all-time winningest coaches. With a 19-4 victory over Liberty, Kennedy set the record for most wins by an Elon baseball coach, claiming his 197th victory at the helm of the program. Making that feat even more impressive is that it was accomplished while Elon completed the transition from the NCAA Division II ranks to its current NCAA Division I classification. With an overall record of 34-23-2 (12-7 in the Big South, tying for second place), Kennedy’s 2003 club matched its 34 wins from the previous season in which the Phoenix advanced to the Clemson Regional of the NCAA Tournament. For the fifth consecutive year, Kennedy guided his squad to a triumph over a top-20 opponent. With victories over No. 7 Wake Forest, No. 14 Clemson and No. 22 North Carolina, the Phoenix defeated three top-25 teams for the second consecutive season.
In Elon’s historic 100th season of baseball celebrated in 2002, Kennedy’s squad compiled a 34-23 record, including a 13-8 mark in the Big South Conference, good enough for second place in the league. In just its third official season of Division I baseball, the Phoenix received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and competed in the Clemson Regional. In Elon’s run to the regional, the Phoenix posted impressive victories over No. 1 Clemson, No. 10 Wake Forest and No. 20 East Carolina. The Phoenix fell one out shy of recording a three-game sweep at defending national champion Miami that season.
With the 2002 team’s trip to the NCAA Regional, Kennedy has been a part of championship play at each level of Elon’s baseball success. As a catcher, he helped lead Elon to the 1989 NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. In 1997, Kennedy, in his first campaign at the helm, coached Elon to a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional in Alabama.
His 2001 club amassed a 30-27 record, including a 12-9 conference slate to place fourth in the Big South. Kennedy guided his team to an impressive 17-8 mark at home, including a three-game sweep of Maryland. The Phoenix finished with a 6-4 record against ACC competition that year.
The 2000 squad amassed a 33-25 record while starting as many as seven freshman and sophomore position players. Despite the youth movement, the team was more than competitive as proven by a 7-5 win at No. 5 South Carolina, which later spent more time ranked No. 1 than any other team that season.
In 1999, Elon beat then-No. 1 and eventual national champion Miami. In 1998, Kennedy posted a winning 26-22 ledger during his second season as head coach and the institution’s first during its two-year transition to the NCAA Division I level.
In 1997, Kennedy guided his first Elon club to a 34-16 slate, a South Atlantic Conference regular-season title, a berth in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional championship game and a final ranking of 14th in the country. For his efforts, Kennedy was named South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year. In the South Central Regional, Elon suffered an opening-round loss to Central Oklahoma but rebounded to capture two straight victories before battling within three outs of qualifying for the Division II College World Series, falling 7-5 to Central Oklahoma in the final.
For the former Elon catcher, it was a fitting start to a coaching career at his alma mater. After serving the program as a volunteer and graduate assistant coach for four seasons, Kennedy was named to the head-coach post on Sept. 12, 1996.
A native of Fayetteville, N.C., Kennedy was a two-time honorable mention All-America catcher for Elon from 1988-90. He experienced 102 victories during his career, as Elon posted a .756 winning percentage his last two years. The career .311 hitter batted .321 with seven homers and 36 RBIs during Elon’s 1990 NAIA District 26 championship season. He also collected 15 doubles that year and was named first-team All-South Atlantic Conference, first-team all-district and honorable mention All-American. He earned all-conference, all-district, all-area and honorable mention All-America honors during the 1989 season, hitting .289 with 32 RBIs as Elon finished 36-9. For his career, Kennedy appeared in 115 games, batting .311 with 26 doubles, 13 home runs and 78 RBIs.
Kennedy signed with the Oakland Athletics organization as a ninth-round selection in the 1990 amateur draft, making stops in Scottsdale, Ariz., Medford, Ore. and Modesto, Calif.
Prior to becoming head coach, Kennedy spent four seasons as Elon’s pitching coach. The pitching staff finished among the country’s top-20 NCAA-II teams in ERA four years – sixth in 1993, third in 1994,18th in 1996 and fifth in 1997.
Active in his profession, Kennedy is a frequent speaker and clinician at various schools and camps throughout the region. He and his wife, Liz, make their home in Burlington and have a daughter, Blair, and a son, Ryan.
