Coach Profile: Conor Gammond

2/3/2021 12:25:00 PM

By: Barry Beal

Every Wednesday, TCNJ Athletics will profile a coach from one of its programs. Today, it's Conor Gammond, assistant coach for the baseball team. He is entering his second year at TCNJ after a pandemic-shortened first campaign.

As you move into your second season as an assistant coach on the baseball staff, what feels different for you as compared to preparing for your first season at TCNJ?

As I move into my second year, I have found that I have a much stronger understanding for the way TCNJ Baseball functions and what to expect on an everyday basis. Coming in as a first-year coach, it takes some time to learn the program and culture while acclimating yourself to new players and colleagues around you. Now that I have a year of experience, I am much more prepared and knowledgeable. I'm looking forward to getting back on the baseball field.

What is it about TCNJ that sets it apart from other institutions and other athletics programs?

The students and everyone that works at TCNJ in every capacity. Despite never being a student here, I understand the type of excellence that it takes to walk these halls and the hard work it takes to attend and succeed at TCNJ. It takes a lot of dedication and determination to be a TCNJ Lion. As far as athletics goes, I am impressed with each student-athlete who puts in the time to be able to do well in the classroom as well as at their specific sport. There are outstanding coaches who dedicate themselves to be with these student-athletes throughout the year, as well as the whole department working together to ensure the success of these student-athletes at every level.

You're early in your coaching career, but do you have a favorite moment from your time as a coach?

At this time, I wouldn't say I have a particular one in mind just because of the way our season and year went. But I do have some recollection of certain players going through their processes and getting back into the rhythm of things as the preseason progressed. To see them play, live, and adjust to the game each day was encouraging to see. They showed such growth early in the season which makes me look forward to seeing what that team could have and will do overall.

When you decide that you wanted to get into coaching?

I decided I wanted to get into coaching around my junior year of college. While I had a slight taste for my business major and the business world, I knew my true passion lied within the game of baseball. The game has been a major part of my life since about the age of 10, and as I began trying out different internships and job opportunities, I realized how much I wanted to continue in the game of baseball. Through conversations with my family, coaches, professors, teammates, and friends, I knew that ultimately this is where I was meant to be, and coaching came second nature to me after being around the game for so long.

What type of factor has Coach Glus had in your development as a coach?

Coach Glus has had and will continue to have great influence on me as I progress in my coaching career. Being a recent graduate, I am not too far removed from playing the game as opposed to coaching it. There were times that I struggled with the transition from player to coach, and I know that Coach Glus realized that. Coach is very open and honest, which has been very helpful in my development. I have never been afraid to ask him questions and he always gives me honest advice, which has helped me navigate this transition. I have enjoyed being in the office with him and the rest of the department, taking away many experiences that will help me grow both as a coach and an individual.

What is something outside of baseball that you're interested in?

If I were to give a very generic "baseball-guy" answer it would have to be the game of golf. I caddied for several years and often play the game with family and friends. It is very similar to baseball in many ways, yet so different. Another thing that I became very interested in during my later collegiate career was philosophy. I took a class my senior year and it was one of the most intriguing classes I had taken throughout college. Since then, I have been doing my own reading and research and I intend to keep up my interest in this area.

Who would you say are your biggest influences in your life, both inside and outside of baseball?

I would definitely have to say my parents. They have been there through every single thing in my life and I could not be more grateful to them. Growing up, they gave me all the support to pursue my dreams and to do the things I love. I would not be in the position I am without them being there for me. All the years spent traveling and pursuing my dreams are priceless to me. My sisters would also have to make the list as well, they are top notch. So, in short, my answer is my family.

How was the transition from player to coach?

As I spoke a little bit about before, it was tough for me. At first, I wasn't thinking too much about it. However, during some intersquads and recruiting, I began to realize how much I missed playing. But when it was time to coach, I coached, and I did my best to not let it affect me. It was also tough for me to navigate the coach-to-player relationships as opposed to the player-to-player relationship I was used to. And my routine has changed. A player has a much different routine than the coach, so there were things to learn and adjust to throughout the day as far as my own schedule and responsibilities. Overall, it has been good as I continue to learn more and more about being a coach at TCNJ.

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be?

It would have to be breakfast, for sure. Easily the best meal of the day. Fuel myself for the day ahead with many different options and styles. It doesn't have to be a major meal or production, but breakfast is key for me. Bacon Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Extra point – question from last week's coach profile Eric Blevins – If there was one thing you could do differently in your career, what would it be?

I would have dealt with adversity differently. Through experience, knowledge, and understanding, people grow and are able to adapt to things differently. Looking back, I did not always handle my adversity in the best way. I sometimes reflect on those times and think about the "what-ifs". But at the end of the day, you move on and learn from the past and cannot dwell on the "what-ifs". Focusing on the present moment is best.

Pose a question you would like to hear answered by our next coach.

If you could live anywhere else in the world outside of the United States, where would it be?

Print Friendly Version