Shockley named head baseball coach

Waxahachie, TX – July 19, 2011 – Last week, Jonathan Shockley was named Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Head Baseball Coach.

Formerly the Head Coach at Central Christian College (McPherson, KS), Shockley takes over the reins of a fairly young program seeking its first winning season.

“I have always had a passion for baseball and enjoy sharing that passion with others,” Shockley said. “SAGU is the right fit for me. I can coach baseball, minister to these young men, and see their lives change both on and off the field.”

Shockley was the Associate Head Coach of the Central Christian Tigers for a year, where he also served as pitching coach. While at Wichita North High School, he led the Redskins pitching staff to a regional championship, advancing to a berth in the Class 6A State Final Four in 1993. He was named to the First All-City Team. He then played for Allen Community College’s NJCAA* Hall of Fame Head Coach Dr. Valis McLean before playing semi-professionally.

He then began coaching, first for three years at Friends University (Wichita, KS) and then at Wichita South High School, Word of Life High School, Northfield High School and Valley Center High School.

Shockley led the Valley Center Hornets to a regional title and eventually a fifth-place finish in the state tournament. Their 2008 rise earned Shockley the title of Kansas State Baseball Coach of the Year. He went on to serve as pitching coach at Allen Community College before accepting the Central Christian position.

“My Dad is my mentor. He taught me about life and things that are most important,” Shockley said. “He made sure I grew to know the Lord and His ways. Jesus Christ is someone I try to imitate.” Shockley’s relationship-oriented style of coaching enables him to influence and motivate young athletes.

Shockley ardently strives to build players and teams who embody the character of Christ in service and on the baseball diamond. “I want players to be proud of who they play for…understanding why they are here,” Shockley said.

Shockley and his wife Jennifer have three children: Sarah (16), Austin (14) and Nathan (3). He earned bachelor’s degrees from Southwestern College (Winfield, KS) in Computer Operations Technology and Business Quality Management. He also earned a master’s degree in Management and Leadership at Webster University (St. Louis, MO).

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.