Coach Xavius Burden
Tuskegee University head coach Reginald Hollins has announced former Miles College standout Xavius Burden will be joining the Golden Tigers coaching staff for the 2019 season.
After the 2018 season, Burden expressed to coach Hollins that he had interest in becoming a collegiate coach after he explored his professional playing opportunities. Hollins stated he knew immediately that “Burden would be a good fit as a coach because of his outstanding character, work ethic and knowledge for the game.”
Hollins recruited Burden to Tuskegee, but he chose to sign with Miles. “Watching Burden play for four years was extremely exciting. He played the game with so much confidence and passion. What stood out most is that he was a leader for his team and did whatever was asked of him to help Miles College win. He was a selfless player and even through him experiencing individual success he had humility.”
Burden has an illustrious career at Miles. During the 2016 season made the SIAC All Tournament Team. In 2017 chosen again as the SIAC All Tournament Team, First Team All Conference and SIAC Tournament Most Valuable Player leading the Golden Bears to the NCAA Division II Regional Toutnament. His final year of collegiate baseball, Burden for the third year straight selected to the 2018 SIAC All Tournament Team, SIAC First Team All Conference and SIAC Conference MVP.
During his four-year stint with Miles from 2015-2018, Burden was a consistent ironman, playing in at least 50 games in each of his four seasons with the program, while providing solid glove work in the field.
Burden had a chance to play professional Independent ball in Florida with Benedict College head coach Selwyn Young. But he choose instead to complete his studies received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice over the summer.
Tuskegee is extremely fortunate to have Burden as a coach. Hollins added that “the many qualities he displayed were the telltale signs that I wanted him on my coaching staff.” Xavius will serve as the Infield Coach and assist with the hitters. The 2019 campaign will mark his first season coaching at the collegiate level.
The signing of Xavius Burden to Hollins coaching staff is his desire wanting to open up more opportunities for African American coaches at the NCAA level.