Connelly, who joined the staff in December of 2021, played for the Seahawks from 2013-2017, helping the program to NCAA regional appearances three times and a Colonial Athletic Association championship in 2015. He concluded his career with the Seahawks as the program’s all-time leader in games played (236) and hit by pitches (57). Both of those marks still stand, and he is ranked third all-time with 132 walks and sixth in on-base average (.435).
Following his career at UNCW, he was selected by Arizona in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft and played two seasons in the organization before retiring following the 2018 season at Kane County.
Connelly moved to the coaching ranks following his professional career, landing on Jeff Johnson’s staff at perennial powerhouse Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Fla. He spent two seasons with the Indians as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. He helped the program to a Region VIII title and an appearance in the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. In 2020, Connelly joined the coaching staff at UNCG and helped the Spartans to a 27-25 record during the 2021 season. While with the program, he coached first base and coordinated camps.
