DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University named Billy McLaughlin '16/'21 as its baseball head coach on Monday. A longtime assistant with the program, McLaughlin had served as interim head coach since September.
 
McLaughlin, who played for the Cougars from 2013-16, had served an assistant for Averett since 2019.
 
"I am grateful to President Dr. Thomas Powell and Director of Athletics Danny Miller for the opportunity to lead the Averett baseball program as head coach," McLaughlin said. "I also want to thank former head coach Kenny Fleming for giving me my start in coaching. I'm excited to guide this group forward and continue building on the foundation that has been set."
 
McLaughlin officially takes over a program coming off the best season in recent history after going 20-16 this past spring.

"We are excited to see where Coach McLaughlin will take our program as he continues to build on the success and growth we've achieved," Miller said. "His commitment to Averett baseball is unmatched, and we are thrilled to have him lead us as our next head coach."

McLaughlin was a pitcher and a first baseman for the Cougars from 2013-16. In his senior season, he started in all 41 games, batting .320 with 48 hits, nine doubles, 15 RBIs and 29 runs scored. He also earned USA South Academic All-Conference honors in three consecutive seasons from 2014-16.

Following his graduation from Averett, McLaughlin served as the head coach for the Metro Senators, a 15U travel baseball team in Lorton, Virginia. He also worked as an advanced cognitive trainer for LearningRx for more than two years.

A native of Reston, Virginia, McLaughlin earned his bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in counseling and clinical, integrative health and a minor in sociology from Averett in 2016. He later earned his master of business administration from Averett in 2021.

McLaughlin resides in the Danville area with his wife, Kristen.