UGA Lil Dawgs Baseball Camp w/ Coaches and Players
Rules & Policies
What to look forward to...
Upcoming Events
What's included
Coaches & Organizers you might meet...
Wes Johnson, the renowned pitching coach for LSU, was named the Ike Cousins head baseball coach at the University of Georgia on June 5, 2023.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Wes Johnson and his family to Athens and the University of Georgia,” said UGA’s J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks. “Wes has a proven track record of developing student-athletes while helping teams achieve impressive results. We aim to compete for postseason success and championships, and Wes has done that throughout his coaching career at every level, from high school to college and up to the Major Leagues. We are confident he will make Georgia Baseball one of the premier programs in the country.”
A native of Sherwood, Ark., Johnson became the first pitching coach in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to make the move directly from the college ranks to the big leagues when he was hired by the Minnesota Twins in November of 2018. He served as a collegiate pitching coach since 2008 with stints in the Southeastern Conference at Mississippi State and Arkansas before joining the Twins. Minnesota was the leading the American League Central Division in June of 2022 when he opted to return to the college game at LSU.
Johnson remained with the Tigers until their 2023 season was complete, culminating in the program’s seventh national title. They were the No. 5 NCAA Tournament National Seed and advanced to the College World Series (CWS) in Omaha, Neb. The Tigers made their first CWS appearance since 2017 and won their first national title since 2009. LSU finished with a 54-17 record.
“I am looking forward to leading the University of Georgia baseball program and want to thank President Jere Morehead and athletic director Josh Brooks for their support and this tremendous opportunity at one of the premier institutions in the SEC,” said Johnson. “Being the head coach at Georgia is a dream come true. I can’t wait to meet and start working with our amazing student-athletes and developing our plan to compete for SEC and National Championships. Also, I’d like to thank Scott Woodward and Jay Johnson at LSU as we pursue a national championship this season and for supporting me and my family as we embark on this incredible journey to lead the Bulldogs.”
The Twins won their division in Johnson’s first two years directing the pitching staff, and in 2020, the club ranked fourth in the Majors in ERA, WHIP and ninth in strikeouts per nine innings. Ace right-hander Kenta Maeda posted a 2.70 Earned Run Average (ERA) and a 6-1 mark to earn a runner-up finish for the American League Cy Young Award.
During his time as a college coach, 30 of Johnson’s pitchers have been drafted by MLB teams, and he has been at the forefront of utilizing Trackman technology. The 2023 LSU ace Paul Skenes (13-2, 1.69 ERA, SEC record 209 Ks in 122.2 IP), who was named the National Pitcher of the Year by multiple outlets, projects as another first round MLB selection that Johnson has developed. As pitching coach at Arkansas, Johnson helped the 2018 Razorbacks reach the College World Series Finals as they finished 48-21. The top pitcher on that 2018 staff was Blaine Knight who went 14-0 with a 2.80 ERA and was a third-round pick of the Baltimore Orioles.
In his one season at Mississippi State, Johnson was instrumental in a dramatic turnaround by the Bulldogs going from worst to first. After winning only eight SEC games the previous year and having the highest ERA in the league, the 2016 club claimed the SEC regular-season title and advanced to an NCAA Super Regional. MSU won 44 games, its most since 1997. He produced six pitchers that were selected in the MLB Draft including Golden Spikes Award semifinalist Dakota Johnson who went 34th overall to the St. Louis Cardinals.
In four seasons at Dallas Baptist University (DBU), Johnson helped the Patriots to three NCAA Regional appearances, had 14 pitchers drafted and his pitching staffs set single season records for almost every major statistical category including ERA, strikeouts and saves. In 2015, DBU had five pitchers chosen in the first 12 rounds. Prior to Johnson’s arrival (1967-2011), DBU had only six pitchers drafted in the first 10 rounds. The 2015 Patriots won a school-record 46 games, hosted their first NCAA Regional and earned the program’s highest final ranking.
During his three seasons in the Southland Conference at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), Johnson’s pitching staffs set Division I school records in ERA, WHIP, strikeouts, opponent batting average and fewest walks. In 2009 while on staff at Southern Arkansas, the Muleriders went 52-11 and were ranked No.1 in the Division II poll for 20 weeks. One of his star pitchers was Hayden Simpson who became the first-round pick of the Chicago Cubs in the 2010 MLB Draft.
Before going to UCA, Johnson spent four seasons as the head coach of Abundant Life High School in his hometown of Sherwood. He guided the Owls to a 102-25 record including one state title and two state championship game appearances.
Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Arkansas Monticello in 1994. While at DBU, he tallied 33 hours working towards a masters in kinesiology. Johnson and his wife Angie, have three children: Ryan, Anna and Ava.
The Wes Johnson File
Personal
Born: Sept. 9, 1971
Hometown: Sherwood, Ark.
Education: University of Arkansas Monticello, B.A. in Marketing, 1994
Family: Wife, Angie; Children: Ryan, Anna and Ava
Coaching Career
1997-2002: Sylvan Hills (Ark.) High School, Assistant Coach
2003: Arkansas Baptist High School, Assistant Coach,
2004-2007: Abundant Life High School (Sherwood, Ark.) Head Coach
2008: Central Arkansas, Pitching Coach
2009: Southern Arkansas, Pitching Coach
2010-11: Central Arkansas, Pitching Coach
2012-2015: Dallas Baptist, Pitching Coach
2016: Mississippi State, Pitching Coach
2017-18: Arkansas, Pitching Coach
2019-22: Minnesota Twins, MLB Pitching Coach
2023: LSU, Pitching Coach (2023 National Champions)
June 5, 2023: University of Georgia, Head Coach
Atlanta native Brock Bennett begins his first season as an assistant coach on Ike Cousins head baseball coach Wes Johnson’s Georgia staff.
For the past four years, Bennett was a volunteer assistant with the Bulldogs under Scott Stricklin. During this time, he worked with the catchers, infielders and served as the first base coach. Also, he was in charge of on-campus recruiting and assisted in the coordination of camps.
The 2023 Bulldogs posted a 29-27 mark. The team overcame a 1-9 SEC start to go 10-10 over its final 20 league games to qualify for the SEC Tournament. The team set a school record with a .981 fielding percentage. The Bulldogs tallied 101 home runs, the third most in school history. Georgia’s lineup featured All-America first baseman/outfielder Charlie Condon who was voted the National Freshman Hitter of the Year by the NCBWA as well as Collegiate Baseball. Also, he was named the SEC Freshman of the Year by league coaches.
The 2022 squad advanced to the NCAA Chapel Hill (N.C.) Regional and posted a 36-23 overall record including a 15-15 mark in the SEC, which was good for second place in the Eastern Division. The Bulldogs were a fixture in the top 25 team rankings during the regular season. Bennett’s work with the defense helped the squad post a .978 fielding percentage which was the third best in school history while the team batted .284 which was the highest since 2010.
The 2021 Bulldogs spent 11 weeks in the nation’s top 25 rankings and reached as high as No. 5 before a slew of injuries eventually took its toll on the club. Still, Georgia went 8-14 against top 10 ranked teams including a winning a road series over No. 1 Vanderbilt, which marked the Commodores only home series loss. The Bulldogs earned a No. 8 seed for the SEC Tournament and went 1-2 with a win over LSU to end the season at 31-25.
Georgia was poised to have another memorable season in 2020 when the campaign ended after 18 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bulldogs finished the year ranked as high as No. 2 nationally with a 14-4 record. Along with working at Georgia, his experience includes stops at Georgia State, Alabama and Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) following his playing career with the Crimson Tide.
Bennett began his coaching career by spending three years as an assistant at GPC under Brett Campbell and Jeremy Brotherton while helping the Jaguars win a pair of region titles. He coached the first-team all-conference catcher all three years, and four GPC players were drafted during his time there. Then, he was named the volunteer coach at Georgia State (GSU) on Greg Frady’s staff. He helped develop catcher Nick Gatewood, who went on the become an 11th-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft. Bennett had an opportunity to coach at his alma mater when he joined Brad Bohannon’s staff in 2017-18. He comes to Georgia after spending the 2019 season as an assistant coach at GSU. Bennett directed the Panther offense and worked with the infielders.
A graduate of Greater Atlanta Christian, Bennett was a catcher/infielder at Alabama (2007-11), where he posted a .314 career batting average while starting more than 100 games, including 97 starts behind the plate. He saw action at third base and second base too while setting a single season (21) and career mark for sacrifice bunts (28). As a senior, he batted .338 with 22 RBI and 39 runs scored plus a team-high .992 fielding percentage. During his career, the Crimson Tide advanced to four straight NCAA Regionals including a Super Regional in 2010. He made the 2010 Southeastern Conference All-Tournament team, was named National Player of the Week by College Baseball 360 and garnered a spot on the Johnny Bench Award Watch List. He earned a degree in business management from Alabama. He was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 33rd round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft.
Bennett is married to the former Ashley Skorcz. They have two children, Chandler (4) and Chase (born Aug. 22, 2022).
The Brock Bennett File
Born: April 1, 1988
High School: Greater Atlanta Christian, Tucker, Ga.
College: Alabama (2007-11), B.A. in Business Management (’10)
Family: Wife: Ashley; Children: Chandler (4), Chase (born Aug. 22, 2022)
Playing Career
Alabama (2007-11)
Coaching Career
2013-15: Georgia Perimeter, Assistant Coach
2015-17: Georgia State, Volunteer Coach
2017-18: Alabama, Volunteer Coach
2018-19: Georgia State, Assistant Coach
2019-23: Georgia, Volunteer Coach
2023-current: Georgia, Assistant Coach
Will Coggin, a former player and coach in the Southeastern Conference, begins his first season as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia on the staff of Ike Cousins head baseball coach Wes Johnson.
Coggin comes to the Bulldogs after spending the past four years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Kentucky under Nick Mingione. In 2023, Coggin helped the Wildcats advance to an NCAA Super Regional for only the second time in school history, and UK reached the 40-win mark for just the seventh time in program history. In SEC action, the Wildcats led the conference in batting, doubles, triples, stolen bases and fielding percentage and finished second in on base percentage, hit by pitches and turning double plays. The Wildcats led the nation with a school record .984 fielding percentage.
Coggin, a former Mississippi State infielder and assistant coach, has proven adept in recruiting and as a hitting guru who has helped developed 17 players who have reached the Major Leagues. Additionally, he’s been to the College World Series as a player, won multiple conference championships with St. Johns River State College and an SEC title while at his alma mater.
Coggin was a staff member on the 2016 MSU club that won the SEC championship, was a national seed in the NCAA Tournament and saw 11 players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft. It was his second stint in Starkville, having played for the Bulldogs from 2007-08 and served on former UK and Mississippi State coach John Cohen’s staff from 2009-12. He spent three seasons at St. Johns River State College in Palatka, Fla., before returning to State before the 2016 season.
In 2016, the Bulldogs improved their team batting average 42 points (.271 to .313), on-base percentage jumped from .372 to .407 and slugging percentage increased by 91 points. The club hit 30 more home runs, 60 more extra-base hits and scored 90 more runs on the way to 20 more wins.
Perhaps most impressive was Coggin’s work with then-freshman outfielder Jake Mangum, who captured the batting title and became the first Mississippi State player to win SEC Freshman of the Year and first freshman to win the C Spire Ferriss Trophy, which is awarded to the best college baseball player in Mississippi. Mangum would go on to become the SEC’s all-time hits leader and helped the program to back-to-back trips to the College World Series in 2018 and 2019.
He also played an important role in the development of 2017 SEC Player of the Year and First-Team All-American Brent Rooker, who won the SEC’s Triple Crown for batting average, home runs and RBI on his way to being named the Roy F. Kramer SEC Male Athlete of the Year. Rooker made his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2020.
Following the 2016 campaign, Coggin, a native of Booneville, Miss., was promoted to the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator role when Mingione accepted the Kentucky job. MSU went to two Super Regionals and won the SEC regular season title and conference tournament title (in different seasons).
In between his two stints at Mississippi State, Coggin helped St. Johns River State College post 122 victories in three seasons, including a 57-14 mark in the Mid-Florida Conference. The 122 wins from 2013-15 were the most by a Florida junior college and the program spent time in the top five nationally in 2014 before being ranked No. 1 for much of the 2015 campaign. The Vikings won a school-record 47 games in 2015, won three straight league titles for the first time since 1966-68 and won their first Florida State Tournament game in 38 years.
While at SJRSC, Coggin’s calling card was player development, where 25 players went on to sign with Division I-A programs and 45 with four-year schools. Current big-leaguer Nate Lowe (Texas Rangers) earned NJCAA First-Team All-American honors in 2015 after hitting .372 with 59 runs, 53 RBI and 17 home runs in 56 games before signing with Mississippi State.
Before getting into coaching, Coggin was a middle infielder on Mississippi State’s 2007 and 2008 teams after two seasons at Northeast Mississippi Community College. He earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2010 from Mississippi State before adding a master’s degree in sports administration in 2012.
The Will Coggin File
Born: Nov. 28, 1985, in Amory, Miss.
High School: Booneville (Miss.)
College: Mississippi State (Kinesiology, 2010; Master’s in Sports Administration, 2012)
Playing Career
2005-06: Northeast Mississippi Community College
2007-08: Mississippi State
Coaching Career
2009-12: Mississippi State, Student Assistant
2013-15: St. Johns River (Fla.) State College, Assistant Coach
2015-16: Mississippi State, Coordinator of Baseball Camps/Volunteer Coach
2016-17: Mississippi State, Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
2020-23: Kentucky, Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
2023-current: Georgia, Assistant Coach
What They Are Saying About Coggin
“I owe Coach Coggin an enormous amount of credit for my growth and success as a hitter. His extensive knowledge of the swing is something that is extremely hard to find and would be incredibly valuable to any hitter. His relationships with recruits and players are second to none and will no doubt aid in the building and sustained success of any program.” – Brent Rooker, Oakland A’s outfielder, 2017 Minnesota Twins 1st Round Draft Pick/Miss. State/SEC Player of the Year and Roy F. Kramer Male Athlete of the Year
“Coach Coggin has made the biggest impact on my life/career of anybody I’ve ever been around. He would take any hour of his day to make me a better player. Doesn’t matter if it was during practice or at 2 am, he would be there for me if I needed him. He is the most dedicated and motivating person I have ever been around in my 18 years of playing baseball at every level from t-ball to professional baseball…And the most important thing to me was that not only was he best coach I’ve ever had, but he also made sure you left a better person.” – Myles Straw, Cleveland Guardians outfielder/2015 Houston Astros 12th Round Draft Pick/St. Johns River JC
“Never have I been helped as a much by a coach and by a human, as the things Coach Coggin has done for me. From a small-town junior college to the biggest state in college baseball, he has been the first person that I look to for support. Twenty-four hours a day and 365 days a year, I know that I’ll receive honest advice. There is not a harder working coach in all of baseball than Coach Coggin.” – Nate Lowe, Texas Rangers first baseman/2016 Tampa Bay Rays 13th Round Draft Pick/Miss. State
Josh Simpson, who has nearly two decades of experience in college and professional baseball, enters his first season as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia on the staff of Ike Cousins head baseball coach Wes Johnson.
During the 2023 season, Simpson served as the director of baseball operations for the LSU baseball program and coach Jay Johnson. The Tigers captured the national title, finishing with a 54-17 mark. Before joining LSU, Simpson was an area supervisor for the Texas Rangers scouting department. He was a Major League Baseball (MLB) scout with the Rangers for seven years until returning to the collegiate ranks at LSU.
Prior to his MLB experience, Simpson served as the head coach at New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) from 2008-15. He became the second winningest coach in program history, tallying a 283-163 record. A total of more than 18 players were drafted by MLB. His teams qualified for the regional tournament in eight consecutive seasons. In 2014, he led NMJC to the Western Junior College Athletic Conference title, and he was named the WJAC Coach of the Year.
Simpson’s collegiate experience includes serving as the hitting coach at Central Arizona College, the volunteer coach at the University of New Mexico and the head coach at Lamar (Colo.) Community College. The 2005 Lamar squad claimed the Region IX title and finished second in the Western District Playoffs. Lamar CC posted a record of 51-11 and a No. 4 final national ranking.
A native of Los Alamos, N.M., Simpson received a bachelor’s of science degree in health and wellness in 2003 from Northwestern Oklahoma State, and he earned a master’s degree in education 2010 from East Central University in Ada, Okla.
The Josh Simpson File
Coaching/Professional Career
2005: Lamar (Colo.) Community College, Head Coach
2006: University of New Mexico, Volunteer Coach
2007: Central Arizona College, Assistant Coach
2008-15: New Mexico Junior College, Head Coach
2016-22: Texas Rangers, Major League Baseball Scouting Department
2023: LSU, Baseball Director of Operations
2023-current: Georgia, Assistant Coach
Come see us
1281 Spartan Ln, Athens, GA
Contact us
Wes Johnson Baseball Camps
“The University of Georgia and the University of Georgia Athletic Association, Inc. is NOT responsible for any injuries sustained by a student participant. NCAA rules prohibit payment of camp expenses (transportation, camp, tuition, spending money, etc.) by representatives of the University of Georgia’s athletic interests. Furthermore, NCAA rules prohibit free or reduced camp admissions privileges for prospects in the 9th grade or above (7th grade for men’s basketball)
Have questions?
Check out some of our FAQs below
Who can participate in the UGA baseball 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.
What age groups do the UGA baseball camps cater to?
We offer camps that cater to a wide range of age groups, typically spanning from elementary school to high school. We ensure that each camp is tailored to meet the specific needs and skill levels of the participants.
What is the camp schedule like?
The camp schedule may vary depending on the specific camp, but typically, each day is structured with a combination of development broken up by age, skill-building drills, game simulations, and friendly competitions. Rest assured, we create a balanced and engaging schedule to maximize the campers’ learning and enjoyment.
Who are the instructors at the UGA baseball camps?
Our camps boast a highly qualified and experienced coaching staff. Instructors include UGA baseball coaches, current UGA players, and possibly some accomplished high school coaches within the area This ensures that participants receive top-notch instruction from experts who are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of young athletes.
What is the instructor-to-camper ratio at the UGA baseball camps?
We take great pride in maintaining an exceptional instructor-to-camper ratio, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and guidance. This ratio allows for effective communication, individualized instruction, and ample opportunities for skill development.
What should my child bring to the UGA baseball camps?
Participants should bring their own baseball equipment, including gloves, bats, helmets, and appropriate footwear. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and any necessary medications or allergy information.
Are meals provided at the UGA baseball camps?
While we do not provide meals during the camps, we ensure that there are designated breaks for campers to have snacks and meals they can buy at the concession stand or bring from home. It is important for participants to bring their own packed lunches or snacks to keep them energized throughout the day.
What safety measures are in place during the UGA baseball camps?
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 the UGA baseball 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.
What is the cancellation/refund policy for the UGA baseball camps?
The cancellation/refund policy may vary on a per camp basis, so it is important to review the specific details outlined on the camp page and during the registration process. In general, we aim to accommodate everyones needs and provide a camp credit or refund when possible, but it’s best to familiarize yourself with the camp’s policy to ensure a smooth experience.
Can I move my child to another camp session if needed?
Yes, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. As long as you notify us via email at least 3 days before the start of the camp, we will do our best to accommodate your request and transfer your child to another camp session, subject to availability. Please make sure to provide the necessary details, including the current camp session and the desired new camp session, to facilitate a smooth transition. We recommend contacting us as early as possible to ensure the best chance of securing a spot in the preferred session.
