LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Cody Williams has joined the Bellarmine University baseball staff as an assistant, Head Coach Larry Owens announced Thursday.

Williams will work with Bellarmine's outfielders, coach first base and handle bunting and base-running duties.

"We are very excited to have Cody join our staff," Owens said. "Our search was extensive and we feel we found an outstanding addition in Cody. He came highly recommended from people in the game that I greatly respect. I feel it is very important that anyone we bring on staff has passion, good communication skills and a steady demeanor, and Cody possesses all of those attributes."

Williams previously was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for five seasons from 2016-21. He was the outfield coach, assisted with hitters and coached first base for the NAIA Mustangs, who posted a winning record each of the last four seasons, including a 29-17 mark in 2021. Mount Mercy was 22-12 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play over the last two seasons.

As a player, Williams competed his final two college seasons (2015 and 2016) at Mount Mercy, where he earned Gold Glove awards from the conference for his defensive prowess in center field both years.

Williams began his playing career at Des Moines Area Community College. The native of Halbur, Iowa, started in left field both seasons and helped his squad to a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA World Series his first year in 2012. Before transferring to Mount Mercy, he spent one season at Western Illinois, where he took a medical redshirt after tearing his labrum and rotator cuff.

Williams earned his associate's degree in liberal arts at Des Moines Area Community College. He received a bachelor's degree in communications from Mount Mercy, where he also earned a master's degree in strategic leadership during his tenure as an assistant coach.

"I am very honored and thankful to be given this opportunity to coach at this level," Williams said. "I'm eager to get things going and to learn and grow as a coach under this staff."

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