WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Athletics and Recreation has announced that Paul Ewart (YOU-ert) has been named the fourth head coach in program history. 

A familiar face in the Golden Hawks' dugout, Ewart has been an assistant coach with Laurier since 2016 and was on staff for two of the program's three provincial championship-winning teams in 2018 and 2019.

He fills the role left vacant after Brodie Jeffery stepped down from the managerial role after one season due to personal reasons. 

"I am excited for what lies ahead for Golden Hawks baseball," said Laurier's Associate Director of Interuniversity Sport Programs, Ryan Lannan. "I believe in Paul's vision and the people associated with this program."

It was also announced that Rob Hepplewhite has accepted the role of associate head coach and that Brady Hall will stay on as an assistant coach.  

"We look forward to working alongside Paul and the staff as they continue to support our student-athletes on and off the field," said Lannan.

Ewart, a native of Kitchener, Ont., played locally until his junior (22U) season in 1996 when he and his team captured a bronze medal at the Canadian Junior Baseball Championships.

Moving on to pursue a Sport Management degree at Brock University, Ewart played four seasons with the Badgers' baseball team from 1996-2000. 

He returned to the area and started coaching with the Waterloo Minor Baseball Association (WMBA) in 2013. Within the next three years, he was nominated twice for WMBA Junior Coach of the Year - winning the award in 2015. 

"I'm extremely honoured and excited to lead this group of talented student-athletes," said the 47-year-old Ewart, who takes over a team that bowed out in the OUA's Far West Regional Qualifier last season.

"We have an excellent core of great players and an amazing coaching staff. I truly believe we will be a serious contender for the OUA Championship."

Ewart lives in Waterloo with his wife Jannine and son Michael.