James Williamson is the newest head baseball coach at Tompkins Cortland Community College.
Athletic Director Mick McDaniel announced the hiring on Monday (August 30), which fills a vacancy created when Billy Crowe stepped down over the summer.
A four-year pitcher at SUNY Brockport, Williamson still ranks second on the Golden Eagles career appearances list (59) and fourth on the career ERA list (2.66).
After graduation, he joined Head Coach Justin Beach’s staff.
Williamson began as a volunteer assistant before becoming the pitching coach; recruiting coordinator; and finally director of baseball operations.
He worked in all aspects of the program at Brockport, and spent several summers coaching in the New York Summer Collegiate League, including serving as the head coach in Syracuse Spartans inaugural season. He also has served as an instructor for several camps hosted by Division I programs, including at Mississippi State University, Army West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Williamson left Brockport in 2018 for a new job in California and says he is anxious to return to baseball.
“I love baseball. I love learning the game, I love competing, I love how baseball can be taught in a way that allows people to understand life,” said Williamson. “I am super excited to be able to be a head coach again. I miss being around this game. I love everything about the operation of a baseball game and how student-athletes experience it. Being able to lead a group to play baseball, graduate, transfer, compete for championships, learn, develop friendships, understand life, excel academically and athletically—all of those things make me excited.”
In addition to coaching, Williamson will also work as a Residence Director in the College’s residence life program.
“When hiring a new coach we always are looking for someone who will be committed to our student-athletes, both on and off the field or court,” said McDaniel. “Coach Williamson is a great fit for us, because he has proven to be a successful coach, plus that he has the dedication to help all of our students have a positive experience at TC3. I think our student-athletes will respond well to Coach Williamson and his passion for the sport and each player’s individual success. I’m looking forward to watching the direction he can take our baseball program. ”
The Panthers baseball program has made the NJCAA Region 3 playoffs twice in the last three seasons, including in 2021.
“My vision for players in our program is that when they leave our program, they are a better person, better player, and better student,” said Williamson. “I want success for everyone involved. I will do whatever it takes to see that players walk away here feeling like this is where they started; this is where they became men; this is where they became eligible for scholarships post TC3; this is where they developed their best friends. I want to create a strong culture that leads to a strong Panthers Baseball alumni presence.”
