Blue Hens Welcome Prachniak to Baseball Staff

NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware baseball program and 21st-year head coach Jim Sherman have announced the hiring of Jad Prachniak as the team's associate head coach and recruiting coordinator ahead of the 2021 season.

"We are fortunate to welcome Coach Prachniak to our staff and are excited about what he is going to bring to our program," Sherman said. "He has reached the highest level as a coach, knows our recruiting areas, and has experience in our conference. He will be an outstanding addition to our staff and are excited for what he offers our program."

Prachniak (pronounced prack-KNEE-ak) will work with the Delaware pitching staff and spent nine seasons as the head coach at nearby Division II West Chester, leading the Rams to two National Championships. He compiled a career record of 273-127-1 (.682), while adding two NCAA Division II Regional crowns and three PSAC eastern division titles to his ledger. He is responsible for the program's first ever National Championship in his first season in 2012 and won his second in 2017. He sits at No. 2 in all-time wins as a head coach at West Chester.

"I'm excited to join a program that has such a strong tradition," Prachniak said. "The University of Delaware has a lot to offer and a bright future which makes it an attractive place to be. I'm grateful for the opportunity provided to me by Coach Sherman and the University of Delaware Athletic Department. I am looking forward to the future of Blue Hen baseball.

The Rams surpassed 30 wins in four of his final five seasons, including a 44-11 season in the National Championship season of 2017. Prachniak became the youngest head coach ever to claim two national crowns. He helped four student-athletes earn draft selections, including Joey Wendle, an infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Prachniak was named the Division II Coach of the Year twice (2012 and 2017) and helped four of his players receive Eastern Division Player of the Year and two Pitchers of the Year.

Prior to West Chester, Prachniak served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for CAA-foe William & Mary. With the Tribe, he helped four pitchers get drafted and had one named the CAA Co-Pitcher of the Year in 2011 under his tutelage.

Prachniak is originally from Lincoln, Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and a teaching certificate in physical education. As a player, he served as a co-captain for Rhode Island's school-record 35-win season in 2008, capturing the Atlantic 10 Eastern Division title.

His wife, Kelly, is currently an Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving & Special Projects for the University of Delaware Athletic Department and the couple has a daughter, Emilia.

For the latest on the Delaware baseball program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareBASE and Instagram @delawarebase and like "Delaware Baseball" on Facebook.

University of Delaware Athletics

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