RADFORD, Va. - Kyle Werman, a former George Mason assistant coach and standout player at Virginia, was named assistant baseball coach at Radford University by head coach Joe Raccuia on Tuesday.

Werman, whose primary on-field assignments will be working with Radford hitters and coaching third base, will assist in all aspects of the Highlander program, including recruiting and the team's day-to-day operations.

“This is a great opportunity and I'm excited about where this program is headed,” Werman said.  “My philosophies about player development and how to play the game offensively fit in well with where this program is going.  Radford offers a lot, in terms of its baseball program and university, and we have a chance to make a lasting mark in the Big South.”

Werman comes to Radford after two years as the hitting coach under Bill Brown at George Mason.  Werman was part of a Patriot team that advanced to NCAA Regional play in 2009, and his offensive coaching abilities helped four Mason position players become MLB First-Year Player Draft picks, including Scott Krieger, Chris Henderson and Justin Bour in 2009, and Ryan Soares in 2010.

“Kyle's offensive philosophy and knowledge of the game make him a great hire for Radford University,” Raccuia said.  “We share a similar vision when it comes to the hit-and-run and putting pressure on other teams defensively, and he believes in what we're doing as a program.  In addition, he's helped teams that he's coached at George Mason and Virginia advance to Regional play.”

In Werman's first season with the Patriots, he helped the team to their best batting average and slugging percentage in school history, and the second-best on-base percentage. The team also scored the second-most runs, had the second-most RBIs and had the third-most homers in school history, all while having one of its better seasons in terms of fewest strikeouts.  Mason's first-ever first team All-America came on his watch as Henderson reached that milestone.  Krieger was also named a second team All-America.

Last season, Werman's guidance saw Soares put together a career offensive season.  A first team All-America, all-region, and Wallace Award (shortstop of the year) finalist, Soares improved his batting average from .318 in 2009 to a Colonial Athletic Association-best .438, while his power numbers rose, including 13 homers and 71 RBIs.  As a team, Mason hit .325 with Soares and Mark Hill (.414) both over the .400 mark.

Werman's coaching resume includes a year at Virginia, where he was a volunteer assistant coach under Brian O'Connor, helping the Cavaliers advance to NCAA Regional play.  He previously spent one year as an assistant coach at Oakton High School in Fairfax County.

As a player, Werman walked on at Virginia and became a four-year starter at second base for the Cavaliers.  He played in 221 career games, second all-time at Virginia, while compiling a .278 batting average.  Over his final two seasons, he put together a .988 fielding percentage.  A team captain for the Cavaliers, he was named to the ACC All-Tournament Team in 2005 and the 2005 All-Corvallis (Ore.) Regional Team.

Following his collegiate playing career, Werman signed a free-agent contract with the New York Mets and spent the 2005 season with Kingsport of the Appalachian League. His professional career included two years with the Washington Wild Things of the independent Frontier League before making the transition from a player to a coach.

Werman holds a bachelor's degree from U.Va. in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in education.