CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout announced on Monday that Jake Hendrick is stepping down as head coach of the baseball program after three seasons at the helm. Hendrick got his first Division 1 head coaching opportunity in the Queen City in the fall of 2023 and developed two Major League Baseball draft picks and four ASUN All-Conference selections during that time.
 
"Jake has poured his heart into Queens Baseball," said Swarthout. "He has put significant time, energy, and care into Queens Baseball and the development of our student-athletes. We are grateful for his leadership and contributions to our program and for guiding Queens Baseball during a transformational era for our department. We thank him for his dedication and wish him continued success in both his professional and personal endeavors."
 
From the start, Hendrick and his staff made an immediate impact on player development. Charlotte native Dillon Lewis went on a tear, hitting a team-high .371 with a 1.173 OPS and a single-season program record 22 home runs. A 6-3 outfielder, Lewis was 1-of-2 Division 1 players that season to hit 20+ home runs and steal 20+ bases (Vance Honeycutt – North Carolina). The success led Lewis to being drafted in the 13^th round by the New York Yankees, before he was traded to the Miami Marlins, where he is currently in Double A as the No. 10 prospect in the organization.
 
The following season, the excitement started early as incoming freshman Ryan Brown was tabbed the Preseason ASUN Freshman of the Year by D1Baseball. Brown proved to be a key utility asset, tossing 59.1 innings and holding a 5.61 ERA, the third best on the team, while also hitting .289 as he was named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team as a utility player.
 
The story of the season, however, was right-hander Landry Jurecka, who tossed 84.0 innings while striking out a single-season record 88 batters. Jurecka went the distance in two starts, including a 14-strikeout performance against Jacksonville on May 4^th. The success led Jurecka to be drafted in the 18^th round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, where he is currently in Single A with the organization.
 
This season, the Royals surpassed the most wins under Hendrick since he took over. Charlotte native Joey Ruller dominated on the mound, tossing a single-season program record 90.2 innings and holding a 4.47 ERA. The southpaw was named ASUN Pitcher of the Week twice this season, and ranked 11^th in the league in ERA and third in strikeouts.
 
On the offensive side, Anibal Rivera and Grayson Childers led the charge all season. Rivera hit a team-high .331 with 10 doubles, three triples, and five home runs while swiping 10-of-11 stolen base attempts. Against West Georgia, Rivera became the second player in program history to hit for the cycle. Childers provided consistent pop at the top of the lineup, hitting .319 with a team-high 13 doubles and 11 home runs as he was named ASUN Player of the Week on May 11^th.
 
"I appreciate Queens' leadership team for trusting me with the baseball program," Hendrick stated. "We fought hard to elevate the program in the classroom, community, and on the field. Charlotte will always be a special place for our family, with many great memories made here. I wish Queens nothing but success going forward."
 
Hendrick has accepted a role with BioPrecision LLC, a new startup company based in Morgantown, West Virginia. BioPrecision provides cutting-edge biomechanical and related optimization services to enhance the athletic performance of high school, collegiate, amateur, and professional baseball clients. The goal is to help athletes reach their peak potential through innovative data-driven solutions. While standard services include individualized plans, BioPrecision also works closely with the West Virginia baseball team and uses their Biomechanics and Performance Center.
 
Queens Athletics will share additional information regarding the program's leadership in a forthcoming release.

Be sure to follow the baseball program on X and Instagram to stay up to date with Queens Baseball throughout the year. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media by searching @QueensAthletics to stay up to date with all news surrounding the Royals.