UMC Baseball Adds Isaacson as Volunteer Assistant Coach

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston baseball program announced the addition of Kyle Isaacson to the staff as a volunteer assistant coach. Isaacson, a former player for Head Coach Steve Gust at Dakota Wesleyan University, comes to UMC after working as a personal trainer and co-owner of a studio based out of Oak Harbor, Wash., since the Fall of 2013. He also served as an assistant coach for Oak Harbor High School and the Oak Harbor American Legion team during that time.

“We are ecstatic to add Kyle to our staff,” Gust said. “He understands what we are trying to do here at UMC, and has the knowledge, experience and work ethic that we are looking for as we continue to build our program. Kyle will do whatever it takes to help our program. He will be an invaluable asset to our staff.”

During his time as a personal trainer, Isaacson worked with athletes of ages ranging from 12-90. As a coach at Oak Harbor High School, he worked primarily with the hitters, helping to coach 21 student-athletes to All-Conference accolades. Prior to returning to his hometown of Oak Harbor, Wash., Isaacson spent one season running the Strength and Conditioning program for the University of Sioux Falls baseball program.

“I am excited to work with the student-athletes at UMC and help them improve on and off the field and instill a steady work ethic when it comes to the weight room and when it comes to dedication with your teammates,” Isaacson said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be reunited and work with Coach Gust again. He has been a mentor for me and we are looking forward to working together and continuing success at UMC.”

As a player, Isaacson started out at Highland Community College in Highland, Kan., where he played during the 2006 and 2007 seasons and was an All-Conference pick. Isaacson then transferred to Dakota Wesleyan to play for then Head Coach Adam Neisius. He would earn All-Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Honorable Mention as a catcher for the Tigers in 2008. In 2009, Isaacson would have his best season yet, hitting .367 with 10 home runs and 76 RBI’s, under first-year Head Coach Steve Gust. He also earned All-America Honorable Mention. Isaacson would help lead Dakota Wesleyan to their first trip to the NAIA National Tournament. During the Summer, he also competed for the Clarinda A’s in 2005 and 2006 in the M.I.N.K Collegiate Summer Baseball League, where he was teammates with current Colorado Rockie Daniel Descalsco and current San Diego Padre Andrew Cashner.

Isaacson joins the staff of Gust, Assistant Coach Ryan Paasch, who will focus on pitching. UMC also has volunteer assistant coaches Alex Sumner and Michael Lukkason, who will help out the team. Isaacson’s  primary responsibilities will be working with the hitters, catchers and helping with strength and conditioning for the team.

Isaacson will reside in Crookston with his girlfriend Courtney.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.