Joining us this week on the ABCA Podcast is Adam McGinnis, Heartland Community College Recruiting Coordinator and the 2025 ABCA/Soldier Sports NJCAA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year.
Since rejoining the Heartland staff in 2021, McGinnis has helped guide the Hawks to four straight NJCAA World Series appearances, highlighted by a National Championship in 2023. On the field, he oversees the hitters and catchers, two groups that have become pillars of Heartland’s success.
The 2025 Hawks’ lineup was among the best in the country, hitting .347 as a team, averaging over nine runs per game, and racking up 267 extra-base hits. Behind the plate, Heartland’s catchers threw out runners at a 35% clip, showcasing the detailed development that’s become McGinnis’ trademark.
In addition to his on-field role, McGinnis leads the Student Success Program at Heartland and manages operations at the Corn Crib in Normal, Illinois — home of the Hawks. A former standout at Western Illinois University (2014–17), McGinnis went on to play professionally in the Chicago White Sox organization for two seasons.
This episode dives into hitting and catching development, the balance between recruiting and culture, and what it takes to sustain excellence year after year.
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The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.
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