VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State Athletics will hold an introductory press conference for new head Blazer baseball coach J.D. Hulse on Wednesday, June 18 at 1 p.m., in the University Center Magnolia Room.  
 
Hulse was promoted to head coach of the Blazers on June 11, after serving this past season as assistant coach for former head coach Jan Weisberg.  Hulse is the fourth head coach of the Blazers since 1967, following Weisberg (2024-25), Greg Guilliams (2007-2024) and VSU Hall of Fame honoree Tommy Thomas (1967-2007).  Hulse followed Weisberg to Valdosta State from Birmingham Southern this past season as he helped guide the Blazers to a 30-22 record overall and a 22-10 record in Gulf South Conference play as the Blazers finished second in the league regular season standings.  The second-place finish was the best for VSU since 2022 when the team also finished second in the regular season.  
 
This past season, Hulse's responsibilities included being the recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning coach and third base coach. He also led the hitters and outfielders.  Blazer senior third baseman Orlando Pena earned National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Second Team All-Region honors and D2CCA Second Team accolades, while he earned GSC Player of the Year honors this season.  Senior infielder Pedro Moreno also earned first team all-league honors with Pena, while pitchers Hunter Booth and Ryan Brown earned second team honors along with senior designated hitter Hunter Stowe.  Brown also earned NCBWA Second Team All-Region accolades.  
 
As a team, the Blazers led the GSC in doubles this season with 98, while the team finished 13^th nationally in double plays (46).  Pena led the GSC in home runs with 20 for 16^th nationally, while he was tenth nationally and tops in the league in RBI (79) and led the league in slugging percentage at a .724 clip for 39^th nationally.  
 
The press conference is open to the public.