Coach Nicely brings over 14 years of varied experience, that includes a professional baseball career, college coaching experience, and owning/operating a baseball training & development facility.

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Prior to joining PTW, Nicely spent three seasons at Bridgewater College, serving as the program’s Recruiting Coordinator and Pitching Coach. In that role, he helped guide the Eagles to an 86-47 record, including their highest national ranking in program history; and a NCAA Regional appearance in 2026.

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Before entering the college coaching ranks, Nicely spent 10 years playing professional baseball as a left-handed pitcher. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the tenth round of the 2013 Major League Draft.

Nicely founded and operated The Cave Sports Performance, a baseball/softball training and development organization in Virginia, for more than a decade. More than 75 former athletes from the program went on to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level and beyond.

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Austin is passionate about mentoring student-athletes to identify the right academic and athletic opportunities in the college recruiting process.

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He and his wife, Nikki, reside in Virginia with their two daughters, Karsyn and Kollyns.