Greenville Drive announce 2023 coaching staff, including first female on-field coach
The Greenville Drive, the Boston Red Sox's High-A affiliate, announced its 2023 coaching staff on Tuesday, including Taylor Jackson as an assistant coach, making her the first female on-field coach in the team's history, and the return of manager Iggy Suarez.
“I’m thrilled for Taylor to make history this year," team President Jeff Brown said in a press release. "She has a proven track record of success with our team, and I’m excited to see her take the next step in her career with us."
Jackson, a native of Alabama, was promoted to assistant coach after being one of the team’s video coordinators last season. Previously, she was a volunteer assistant coach at Shelton State Community College in her hometown of Tuscaloosa, and a student intern at the University of Alabama and Louisiana Tech.
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Suarez, who enters his fifth season in charge of the Drive, guided a strong group of Red Sox prospects last season, including the organization’s top prospect, shortstop Marcelo Mayer. Eight Drive alumni have played for the Red Sox in the past four seasons.
Bob Kipper also returns for his fifth consecutive season, and 10th overall, as pitching coach.
“Iggy and Bob have been instrumental in our success on and off the field and I’m happy they’re back in a Drive uniform,” Brown said.
The Drive also announced the return of strength and conditioning coach Donny Gress for his second season and the addition of three new staff members: hitting coach Chris Hess, development coach Alex Reynolds and athletic trainer Charysse Berkowski.
Opening day for Greenville is set for April 6, as the Drive play at the Rome (Georgia) Braves for a three-game series, before the home opener at Fluor Field on April 11 and a five-game home-stand against the Asheville Tourists.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville Drive to have first female on-field coach in 2023
