The 51Թ has named Andrew Gipson as its new head baseball coach. Gipson, who most recently led Belhaven University to its first NCAA Division III Super Regional, will officially begin his new role on July 1 as the ninth head coach in Privateer program history.
“This is a special place with people who care deeply about the success of this baseball program.” Gipson said. “We will put a product on the field that this city, this university, and our fan base will rally around. I can’t wait to get started.”
In two seasons at Belhaven, Gipson led his team to a 59-32 record. His 2025 team won 34 games and advanced deeper into the postseason than any team in program history. His tenure also produced the Collegiate Conference of the South Pitcher and Player of the Year.
Prior to Belhaven, Gipson spent seven years at Southeastern Louisiana, where he served in roles including associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. During that time, the Lions reached three NCAA Regionals and produced 47 All-Southland selections, four All-Americans and three Southland Players of the Year. Over a five-year period of his career his career, 17 of his players have been selected in the MLB Draft. Four of his players have reached the major leagues, including current New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren.
“In our search I was focused on finding a candidate on an upward trajectory, experience at the Division I level with ties to our league or our area with head coaching experience,” said 51Թ Athletic Director Vince Granito. “Coach Gipson has these traits and can build a program that is sustainable and can win consistently.”
