Pearl River promotes Michael Avalon to Director of Athletics

POPLARVILLE, Miss. (PRCC Athletics) — Pearl River Community College is proud to announce the promotion of longtime head baseball coach Michael Avalon to Director of Athletics.

Avalon, who has served as Assistant Athletic Director since 2022, will continue guiding one of the nation’s premier baseball programs while overseeing the direction and vision of the entire PRCC Athletic Department.

“Coach Avalon’s promotion to Director of Athletics at Pearl River Community College marks a pivotal moment for our athletics programs,” Pearl River President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “His proven track record of developing a championship-caliber baseball team reflects not only his expertise but also his commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. We expect our players to embody the same dedication, discipline and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

“Coach Avalon’s leadership will inspire our athletes to strive for greatness in their performance, academics and character. His vision aligns perfectly with our goal of instilling these values throughout our entire athletic program, ensuring that every player and coach is equipped to succeed and represent our college to the highest of standards.”

“Michael Avalon is a natural leader, and he and his family are an integral part of our campus and athletic family,” Executive Vice President for Student Services Dr. Jeff Long said. “We are excited to watch him lead the men and women of our athletic programs as we take on new challenges and represent Pearl River Community College at a championship level.”

For Avalon, the opportunity to lead an athletic department he already calls home is one he doesn’t take lightly.

“I am incredibly humbled and excited to accept the position of Director of Athletics at Pearl River Community College,” Avalon said. “This is truly a special opportunity, and I am honored to serve this proud and successful athletic department.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Adam Breerwood for his trust and confidence in me. His leadership and vision for Pearl River have created a strong foundation, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of our student-athletes and programs.”

Avalon takes the reins from Patrick Ochs, who recently became PRCC’s first-ever Chief of Staff. Avalon credits Ochs and Dr. Jeff Long for their leadership and the strong foundation laid.

“I am especially grateful for the work of Dr. Jeff Long and Patrick Ochs, whose leadership has guided the department to remarkable achievements,” Avalon said. “I will strive every day to build upon that success — both on the field and in the classroom — and to uphold the tradition of excellence that defines Pearl River Community College.”

“Thank you again for this opportunity. I am eager to get to work and to serve the Wildcat family with passion, integrity and a relentless commitment to our student-athletes’ success.”

Avalon first arrived at Pearl River in June 2016 and has guided the Wildcat baseball team for nine seasons, building the Wildcats into a perennial powerhouse. PRCC has captured five MACCC Championships, three Region 23 Championships, three NJCAA World Series appearances, one National Runner-up and one National Championship. 

The Wildcats are consistently among the nation’s best. Over the last eight seasons, PRCC has been ranked in the NJCAA’s Top 5 and has spent the last six years inside the NJCAA’s Top 3. His teams have won 347 games — an average of 38.6 games per year — and 111 former players earned a four-year opportunity. Avalon’s teams have been equally as successful in the classroom, holding a 3.26 GPA since 2017 and winning a host of ABCA Team Academic Excellence awards.

Avalon’s transformation of Dub Herring Park into one of the top JUCO ballparks in the country is a testament to his vision, resourcefulness and ability to deliver results — all traits that now position him to lead PRCC’s athletic department with success.

Avalon has spearheaded facility projects, including a new press box, three suites, chairback seating, a turf infield, a state-of-the-art videoboard and Division I caliber LED lighting with more projects on the way. 

BEFORE THE RIVER
Before becoming a Wildcat, Avalon spent five seasons as the head coach at Mississippi Delta, taking the Trojans to the MACCC playoffs four times. He was an assistant coach at East Central for five seasons prior to taking the job at MDCC.

Avalon is a native of Jackson and played at Forest Hill before featuring at Holmes for two seasons. He played a season at Lincoln Memorial and completed his playing career at West Alabama. He served as a graduate assistant for two seasons at UWA, helping the Tigers reach the NCAA Division II regionals.

Avalon and his wife, Kayla, have two sons, Brooks and Tucker, and one daughter, Harper.