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Andrew Gipson enters his 2nd season at the helm of the Belhaven Baseball program after he was named the eighth Head Baseball Coach in program history by Belhaven Director of Athletics Scott Little in June 2023.
Gipson led the Blazers to a strong first season in charge with Belhaven finishing the season 25-17 including a 12-5 regular season record in conference action which secured them the No. 2 seed in the Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) tournament.
In his first season, Gipson coached CCS Pitcher of the Year Brett Sanchez and CCS Player of the Year Owen Abney who helped lead the Blazers’ success and picked up D3baseball.com All-Region nods. Sanchez was also named a D3baseball.com All-American following the 2024 season.
A native of Oneonta, Alabama, Gipson is a 2011 graduate of Belhaven University and played for the Blazers for four seasons where he was a part of three Conference championships, four NAIA Regional/Opening Round tournaments, and one NAIA World Series appearance.
Gipson most recently served as the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the NCAA Division I program Southeastern Louisiana University in 2022, part of a seven-year tenure with the Lions’ program. Gipson held various roles within the SLU coaching staff including serving as the Lions’ Pitching Coach in 2021 and Assistant Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator from 2015-18.
As Pitching Coach for SLU, Gipson led the Lions’ pitching staff in 2021 which saw RHP Brennan Stuprich named the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year and earn multiple Freshman All-America honors and saw Stuprich combine with Will Warren to finish among the Top 5 in conference ERA, wins and innings pitched while Warren also finished second in strikeouts.
During his time in Louisiana, Gipson helped the Lions to three NCAA Regional appearances during his time with SLU (2016, 2017, 2022) and was a part of the 2015 SLU staff which led the Lions to the school record for overall wins (42), the Southland record for conference wins (25) and the Southland Conference Regular Season Championship. He also helped lead recruiting efforts that saw 47 All-Southland Conference selections, four All-Americans, three Southland Players of the Year, two Southland Freshmen of the Year, one Southland Pitcher of the Year, one Southland Relief Pitcher of the Year and 15 players selected in the MLB draft.
Prior to joining the staff at Southeastern Louisiana, Gipson spent three years on the coaching staff at Belhaven directly following his playing career. Gipson spent the 2014 season as the Assistant Coach under legendary Blazers’ Head Coach Hill Denson after serving as a Graduate Assistant Coach in 2013 and Student Assistant Coach in 2012. During his first stint on the Belhaven Coaching Staff, Gipson helped coach three All-Americans including catcher Kyle Wheeler who was selected in the 26th round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
Gipson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Belhaven in 2011 with degrees in psychology and sports administration.
Spence Drake is set to join the Blazers as Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator after spending last season as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Division II West Alabama. Prior to his time in Livingston, Drake spent four years assisting the staff at Division I Louisiana Tech as a Student Manager.
“I’m so incredibly thankful to the Lord for blessing me with the opportunity to work with such a great program and for such a great university,” said Drake. “I’m grateful to Athletics Director Scott Little and Coach Gipson for the opportunity, and I’m forward to the bright future ahead of Belhaven baseball.”
Drake is a graduate of Louisiana Tech where he finished with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Media Studies. Drake is originally from Flowood, Mississippi where he attended and played baseball at Hartfield Academy.
Justin Simanek joins the Belhaven staff as the Blazers’ Pitching Coach. Simanek is a well-known name in baseball circles in the Central Mississippi area as Owner and Director of Player Development at Peak Velocity Performance based in Flowood, a role he’ll continue to hold while joining Belhaven. During his time, Simanek has helped develop players ranging from young athletes to professionals.
“I’m excited to join the staff at Belhaven, a program with such a strong history of success,” said Simanek. “I’m thankful to AD Scott Little and Coach Gipson for the opportunity and looking forward to playing a part in the continued growth of this program.”
Simanek is a graduate of Division I Southeastern Louisiana University where he played two seasons, both while Coach Gipson was on the Lions’ coaching staff. A native of Kent, Washington, Simanek played at Tacoma Community College prior to his time in Louisiana.
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Belhaven University Baseball Camps
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Who can participate in your camps?
Our camps are open to all baseball players, regardless of skill level, age, grade level, or gender. We welcome beginners looking to learn the game as well as advanced players seeking to enhance their skills.
Who are the instructors?
Our camps boast a highly qualified and experienced coaching staff. Instructors include Belhaven Baseball Coaches and current players. This ensures that participants receive top-notch instruction from experts who are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young athletes.
What safety measures will be in place?
The safety of our campers is of utmost importance to us. We maintain a safe and secure environment by adhering to all necessary health and safety guidelines. Our staff is trained to provide proper supervision and ensure that all equipment is in good condition.
How can I register my child for your camps?
Registration for our camps can be completed online through Play’n Sports software. The registration process will require basic information about your child, such as name, age/grade, emergency contact details, and any medical considerations. Specific instructions and registration deadlines will be available on the camp website.
