Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

UNC Asheville Baseball Coach Scott Friedholm Resigns

Baseball players practicing on a field with a new training facility in the background.

News Summary

Scott Friedholm has announced his resignation as head coach of the UNC Asheville baseball program after 11 seasons. He leaves behind a legacy as the longest-tenured and most successful coach in the program’s history, finishing with 195 wins. Friedholm’s contributions included developing players, enhancing facilities, and community engagement. His resignation comes on the heels of the team’s most balanced season recently and the groundbreaking of a new hitting facility named after a former standout player, showcasing continued progress for the program.

Asheville, North Carolina

Scott Friedholm has announced his resignation as head coach of the UNC Asheville baseball program after serving in that role for 11 seasons. Friedholm’s departure marks the end of an era for the Bulldogs, during which he established himself as the longest-tenured and winningest head coach in the program’s history, concluding with a record of 195 wins, 340 losses, and 1 tie.

Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone expressed gratitude for Friedholm’s contributions over the years. His work extended beyond coaching, encompassing student-athlete development, facility advancements, community service initiatives, and fundraising efforts that have uplifted the baseball program and the university.

Coaching Record and Achievements

Friedholm took the helm of the Bulldogs on June 17, 2014. Under his leadership, the team achieved its most successful season in 2023, finishing with a balanced record of 26 wins and 26 losses. The season began auspiciously, as the Bulldogs secured an impressive 11-1 record in nonconference play, winning every weekend series before diving into Big South Conference action.

During his tenure, Friedholm coached several standout players who garnered accolades. Notable achievements include Robbie Burnett earning All-Big South First Team honors in 2023 and subsequently being named Preseason Player of the Year for the following season. Additionally, in the latest season, Colby Guy received recognition as Preseason Pitcher of the Year, while Clay Edmondson was named Pitcher of the Year.

Community Impact and Recognition

Friedholm’s leadership contributed to the recognition of the baseball program within the community and at the conference level. Under his guidance, the Bulldogs were awarded three Big South Conference Sportsmanship Awards in 2015, 2018, and 2022. Over the past 11 years, 15 individuals were honored with All-Conference distinctions, highlighting the program’s competitive edge under his direction.

Friedholm, along with his family, built strong relationships in the Asheville community and expressed gratitude for their time spent in the region.

Jeff Fox Hitting Facility Initiative

In a related development, the UNC Asheville baseball program broke ground on the Jeff Fox Hitting Facility on May 19, 2025. This facility aims to honor the late Jeff Fox, a former standout player for the Bulldogs who served in the Secret Service and passed away from COVID-19 on March 16, 2021. The facility is intended to enhance the experience for student-athletes, providing them with improved training resources.

Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone acknowledged the contributions of donors, including numerous alumni and David E. Looper & Company, which funded the facility. As part of the initiative to honor Fox, the No. 6 jersey awarded annually to a player who embodies Fox’s dedication, determination, and loyalty was recently worn by senior Corbin Lanowitz during the recent season.

Future Aspirations

Lanowitz expressed excitement regarding the new hitting facility and its potential benefits for the program in the future. Additionally, Friedholm emphasized the significance of sharing the groundbreaking ceremony with Jeff Fox’s teammates and family, recognizing the lasting impact Fox had on the baseball program and the bonds formed throughout his time as a player and community member.

As the program moves forward, UNC Asheville baseball will look to build on Friedholm’s legacy while also enhancing its facilities and recruiting future talent. The departure of Friedholm will likely prompt a search for a new head coach who can continue the growth and development of the baseball program.