Nick Popp Named Lander Head Baseball Coach

1/9/2026 12:15:00 PM

GREENWOOD – Lander Athletics Director Brian Reese announced Friday that Nick Popp has been named the seventh head baseball coach in program history. Popp has served on Jason Burke's coaching staff for the past two seasons and was recently promoted to associate head coach.

Both of Popp's seasons in Greenwood resulted in Peach Belt Conference (PBC) championships. The Bearcats claimed the PBC regular-season title in his first season in 2024, then followed with a share of the regular-season championship in 2025 before sweeping through the conference tournament to earn the program's first PBC Tournament title since 2014 and its first NCAA Regional appearance since 2016.

"We are excited to announce Nick as the new leader of the Bearcat baseball program," said Lander Athletics Director Brian Reese. "Watching him and Coach Burke work side by side over the last two seasons to bring two PBC regular-season championships and a tournament title to Greenwood made him stand out. We look forward to seeing him continue the growth of this program for years to come."

Since his arrival in the summer of 2023, the Bearcat offense has posted its strongest numbers since the 2014 season, including a 22-point increase in team batting average from 2024 to 2025. Lander ranked as a top-20 offense nationally in hits, doubles, and free bases (BB+HBP).

Under Popp's guidance, the Bearcats developed into one of the most patient lineups in the country, ranking in the top 15 nationally in walks. Taichi Nakao finished third nationally with 59 walks during the 2025 season.

Defensively, Lander has been equally impressive, ranking as the top fielding team in the nation among programs that play on a natural surface in each of the past two seasons. The Bearcats committed fewer than 45 errors in both years, including a program-record 43 errors during the 2024 season.

"I would like to thank Brian Reese and the Lander University Administration for their trust and faith in me to lead this program," said Popp. "There have been a lot of great coaches come through Lander, and it is truly an honor to be the next name on that list. I am incredibly grateful to my wife, who has been my biggest supporter throughout my career, as well as Chris Anderson and the Belmont Abbey staff who helped shape me as a coach. I also want to thank Jason Burke for believing in me and allowing me to be part of the success we have built over the last two seasons. While no program benefits from losing a coach like Jason Burke, I am excited for the challenge ahead."

"I am excited to see Coach Popp take this next step in leading the Lander baseball program," said former head coach Jason Burke. "He has all the tools, both on and off the field, to continue the championship culture here in Greenwood, and I know the program is in great hands moving forward."

Popp will make his head coaching debut on Friday, Jan. 30, when the Bearcats open the season at Erskine's Grier Field against the Flying Fleet. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Lander's home opener will follow on Saturday as the Bearcats host Erskine for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. A ring ceremony honoring the 2025 PBC Championship team will take place prior to the first game.

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