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5 Shocking Facts About Embry-Riddle University Baseball's Dual-Campus NCAA D2 Powerhouse (2025 Update)

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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Baseball is far more complex and dynamic than most fans realize, operating a unique dual-campus program that competes fiercely across two distinct regions. As of today, December 24, 2025, the program is riding a wave of recent individual accolades, transitioning under new leadership, and preparing for the bulk of its 2025 NCAA Division II campaign, promising an exciting season for the Eagles' faithful.

The program, primarily known for its Daytona Beach (FL) campus competing in the rugged Sunshine State Conference (SSC), has recently seen a significant coaching change and the emergence of top-tier talent, solidifying its status as a competitive force in D2 baseball. Meanwhile, the Prescott (AZ) campus team maintains its own distinct identity and schedule, making Embry-Riddle a truly unique entity in collegiate athletics.

The Latest 2025 Program Snapshot: Coaches, Conferences, and Key Players

Embry-Riddle's baseball program is noteworthy for its two distinct teams, each with its own leadership, conference affiliation, and recent achievements. This dual structure provides twice the opportunity for student-athletes to excel in both academics and competitive athletics.

Daytona Beach (FL) Campus Program Profile

  • University: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL)
  • Nickname: Eagles
  • Conference: Sunshine State Conference (SSC)
  • NCAA Division: Division II
  • Head Coach: Dave Therneau (Selected August 2024)
  • Associate Head Coach: Chuck Stegall
  • Notable 2025 Player: Max Kops (First Baseman) – Named D2 CCA First Team All-Region
  • Notable 2025 Player: Jordan Williams (Outfielder) – Earned All-American Honors

Prescott (AZ) Campus Program Profile

  • University: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott, AZ)
  • Nickname: Eagles
  • Conference: Cal Pac Conference (NAIA) (Note: While the search focused on NCAA D2, the Prescott campus is generally NAIA/Cal Pac, and the search results confirm a separate AZ schedule and roster.)
  • Head Coach: Geoff Fox (First baseball coach in Prescott's history)
  • 2025 Roster Snapshot: Includes players like Miles Murphy (INF) and Gavin Speck (INF)

5 Key Developments Shaping Embry-Riddle Baseball’s Future

The program is currently undergoing a period of significant transition and success, especially on the Daytona Beach campus, which is the primary focus of its NCAA D2 competitive efforts. These developments highlight the team’s upward trajectory and commitment to excellence.

1. New Leadership Under Head Coach Dave Therneau

One of the biggest stories for the Daytona Beach Eagles is the appointment of Dave Therneau as Head Coach in August 2024. Therneau's selection marks a new era for the program, which is looking to make a deeper impact in the highly competitive Sunshine State Conference (SSC). His nearly 10-year tenure with the Eagles baseball program prior to his promotion provides essential continuity and deep knowledge of the team’s culture and the challenges of the NCAA D2 landscape.

2. The Rise of All-Region and All-American Talent

The 2025 season has already seen the emergence of elite individual talent, a critical component for success in the NCAA D2. First baseman Max Kops garnered D2 CCA First Team All-Region honors, demonstrating his status as one of the top players in the South Region. Additionally, outfielder Jordan Williams was recognized with All-American Honors, a testament to the program's ability to develop professional-caliber players. These awards are crucial for recruiting and elevating the program's national profile.

3. Navigating the Brutal Sunshine State Conference (SSC)

The Daytona Beach Eagles compete in the SSC, widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in NCAA Division II baseball. The 2025 schedule is packed with challenging matchups that test the team's depth and resilience from the start. Early season games, such as those against Valdosta State and Montevallo, are vital for setting the tone for their conference play. Success in the SSC is the direct pathway to NCAA Regional appearances, making every conference game a high-stakes affair for the Eagles.

4. The Unique Dual-Campus Baseball Structure

Embry-Riddle stands out by fielding two distinct baseball teams: one in Daytona Beach, FL (NCAA D2) and another in Prescott, AZ (typically NAIA). The Prescott campus, under the leadership of Head Coach Geoff Fox, maintains its own separate schedule and roster, including players like Miles Murphy and Gavin Speck for the 2025 season. This structure allows ERAU to offer a top-tier collegiate baseball experience across two different athletic associations and geographical regions, catering to a wider range of prospective student-athletes.

5. A Focus on Academic and Athletic Excellence

As an institution renowned for its aerospace and engineering programs, Embry-Riddle's baseball program places a high value on the "student" in "student-athlete." The program’s transition to NCAA Division II, a move that began in 2016, emphasized a commitment to balancing rigorous academics with high-level athletic competition. The recent success of players like Max Kops and Jordan Williams is a clear indicator that the Eagles are successfully recruiting and developing players who excel both on the field and in the classroom, maintaining the university's esteemed reputation.

Program History and Facilities

The Embry-Riddle baseball program on the Daytona Beach campus has a rich history, having begun intercollegiate competition in 1988. The program spent decades building a successful legacy before transitioning to NCAA Division II. This transition was a significant step, moving the team into a new competitive environment within the SSC, which includes perennial national contenders.

The Eagles play their home games at a dedicated baseball facility that provides a top-tier environment for both players and fans. The facilities are designed to support the needs of an elite D2 program, including modern training areas and a well-maintained playing surface. The commitment to upgrading facilities is ongoing, reflecting the university's investment in the long-term success and competitiveness of the baseball program.

As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Head Coach Dave Therneau to see how he guides the Daytona Beach Eagles through the challenging SSC schedule and leverages the talent of All-Region players like Max Kops. The unique dual-campus model ensures that the Embry-Riddle name remains a constant presence in collegiate baseball across the country, promising a future filled with high-flying action and competitive excellence on the diamond.

5 Shocking Facts About Embry-Riddle University Baseball's Dual-Campus NCAA D2 Powerhouse (2025 Update)
embry riddle university baseball
embry riddle university baseball

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