In this week's segment of "Meet Our Coaches", we are featuring Head Baseball Coach Brian Leighton.
Due to the cancelation of the 2020 spring season by the GNAC as part of the NCAA's approach to limiting exposure to COVID-19, Coach Leighton and the Falcons competed in just 10 games. Albertus was off to a fantastic start to the season, going 6-4 over the first 10 contests. The Falcons led the GNAC in home runs (17) and slugging percentage (.560), while being second in runs scored (83) and RBI (76).
How many years have you been coaching?
16 years at Albertus Magnus College as Head Coach, 1 year as Head Baseball Coach at Coventry HS (CT), and 4 years as a Student-Assistant at Eastern CT State University
What sport(s) have you coached?
Baseball
What is your favorite thing about being a coach?
Developing relationships with players and families that last a life-time. The opportunity to become a part of the our student-athlete's development academically, athletically, and personally is the reason why I love coaching so much. Having the opportunity to see the growth and development between what I like to call the before (recruiting stage) and after (graduation) is rewarding beyond words.
What sport do you coach at Albertus?
Baseball
What attracted you to Albertus Magnus College?
The opportunity to become a Collegiate Head Coach at such a young age coupled with the family environment.
What is your favorite coaching memory at Albertus Magnus?
There have been several but my favorite coaching memory every year is ALWAYS graduation. My proudest day every year is ALWAYS watching our student-athletes graduate knowing that they are prepared to take on whatever challenges come their way!
Favorite Sports Team:
Albertus Magnus College Baseball
Favorite TV Show:
Burn Notice/House M.D.
Favorite Pre-Game Song:
Legend: The Score
Do you have any special talents, or a surprising thing that someone might not know about you?
I started coaching collegiately at 19 years old due to multiple arm injuries and therefore never played college baseball.
What is one of your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my two children, wife, and family whenever possible. I am also pretty skilled at video games.
How are you staying active at home?
Spending time with family has been very rewarding as this is the first time I have had time available in the Spring since I began coaching over 20 years ago. I am also currently pursuing my Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University.
