Heartland’s Adam McGinnis named ABCA Assistant Coach of the Year

The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) has named Adam McGinnis from Heartland Community College as the 2025 NJCAA DII Assistant Coach of the Year. 

Criteria cited in the selection process for the award include coaching expertise, recruiting, loyalty to the program, and respect for the players and the game. 

“Adam is very important to what we do here,” said Hawks Head Baseball Coach Chris Razo. “He looks at coaching much more than just baseball, but helping these young men figure out life as a whole. It's an honor to coach with him and consider him not just a coworker but a friend. We are happy he is getting recognized for everything he has done for this program.” 

McGinnis serves as the recruiting coordinator and hitting coach of the Hawks Baseball team and is also but also as a student success coach. He first joined the Heartland coaching staff in 2018, working with catchers and hitters before departing for Western Illinois to complete a master’s degree in Sport Management. He rejoined the Heartland staff in 2021, adding the role of Success Coach to recruiting and coaching duties. 

McGinnis spent his collegiate playing career at Western Illinois University, where he was a four-year starter as a primary catcher with time at third base.  In his senior year, he earned First Team All-Summit League honors. At the conclusion of his senior season, he signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox organization. He spent two years in the organization, highlighted by winning the Pioneer League Championship with the Great Falls Voyagers. 

About the ABCA
The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel Baseball.