Courtesy of Brian Howard, Senior Associate AD for Athletic Communications, Grambling State Athletics
GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Trayvean Scott, announced on Friday he has elevated Davin Pierreto head baseball coach.
“We are excited to elevate Coach Pierre as our head baseball coach,” Scott said. “Coach Pierre did an outstanding job during the 2022 season as the interim head coach and we wanted to promote him for all his hard work. His success of his student-athletes on and off the field speaks for itself and continues to promote Grambling State University baseball in a positive way. We will continue to expect big things from him and the program.”
Last season as the interim head coach, Pierre guided the Tigers one of the best seasons in recent memory as Grambling State compiled 20 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) victories and finished second in the West Division.
Known for being instrumental in developing some of the SWAC’s top talent, Pierre has produced 27 All-Conference selections and eight MLB Draft picks. Last season saw a program-best six players earn all-conference honors, including Shemar Page, who was named SWAC Pitcher of the Year.
In addition to the 20 wins, Pierre coached All-SWAC catcher John Garcia, who was selected in the 19th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. Another big highlight for the Grambling State alum came on April 22 when Page pitched the 34thNCAA Division I perfect game in a 16-0 victory over Alcorn State.
“One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28,” Pierre said. “I’ve watched God bless my family and I in amazing ways and this is just another part of his blessing and plan for my life. I’m extremely appreciative of Dr. Scott for giving me this opportunity. I’m honored that Coach Wilbert Ellis, one of the greatest of all time, has given me his blessing, and that former head coach James Cooper has provided me the space to grow in this profession.
“Grambling State University means a lot to me and having the opportunity to put this program in position for these young men to become champions on and off the field is my goal. It’s not about the G on your hat or the G on your chest, but it’s about the G that’s in your heart. We are building G-Men and I’m proud to be leading the cause!”
Before the 2022 season, Pierre spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach under James Cooper, including the 2010 season when the program captured their first conference championship in 25 years.
During his time at Grambling State, Pierre oversaw the duties of the Tigers’ infield play and shared the hitting duties with Cooper. Also, he has helped guide the Tigers to be one of the top offensive and defensive teams in the SWAC yearly. Pierre also played a key role in recruiting as he has been the Recruiting Coordinator for the program since 2012.
Pierre was recognized as one of the top recruiters in the country and the best recruiter in the SWAC in 2016. He also administered associate scouting for the Tampa Rays for four years (2012-2016). Pierre and the Grambling State baseball program were also recognized by Baseball America in 2018 for having one of the top under-radar recruiting classes heading into the 2019 season.
Before coaching, Pierre worked for two years with the Grambling State Department of Athletics as the Director of Athletic Operations, overseeing practices and game day operations for the department’s 18 sports on a daily basis. In addition, Pierre also served as the athletics’ liaison to campus facilities as he worked directly with the department to ensure the daily maintenance of the department’s athletic facilities in addition to purchasing the necessary equipment needed.
Pierre earned his first bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Grambling State University in 2005 and also his master’s degree from Grambling two years later in Sport Administration. Some of Pierre’s off the field activities included being an ordained minister and being very active in ministry at his church.
