After coach Justin Cunningham left to become the head coach for Lyon College, Cody Davenport has recently entered a new role for the UCA’s baseball team as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. 

Davenport, who is a UCA alumni, graduated in 2015 and is originally from Fayetteville.

During his time at UCA, he was an All-Southland Conference selection who holds school records with most career stats. He completed his seasons with a 7-4 record with one save. 

Davenport was then drafted in the 20th round of the MLB draft in 2019 for the Kansas City Royals following his college career. He is also the 10th player to be drafted by the MLB from UCA. 

Afterward, he finished his career off with 22 winnings. After two seasons, he was looking forward to going back to the college ranks as a coach. 

“This promotion was something that was a dream for both of us (his wife Holly), as the UCA baseball program means a lot to both of us,” Davenport said. “In my two years of on staff leading up to my promotion to assistant coach and recruiting coordinator I have loved my time coaching the guys here and trying to better the program that means a lot to me.” 

Before, Davenport was the director of player development for UCA and also worked with the pitching staff. 

As a UCA alumni, Davenport takes up a lot of pride in the program and is excited to take on bigger roles in recruiting future Bear baseball players.

“Coach Harlan was my pitching coach during my time as a player at UCA,” Davenport said.                    

“It is an honor to stand beside him and lead these young men both on and off of the baseball field.” 

While Davenport celebrates this new promotion, he also hopes to gain an opportunity to bring in successful players to the UCA baseball program. 

“I also hope to help lead the UCA baseball program to places that it has never been. I believe that UCA baseball is a special program that is moving in the right direction and I hope to be a big part of that,” Davenport said.

With Davenport, there is zero concern with taking this big step forward in his career as he explains that he is confident with his abilities to recruit and coach at this level. 

“I have many great connections around the state and in the game of baseball that will help me find the players that we need to sign as a program,” Davenport said.

Davenport and Holly are both thrilled about this opportunity as they plan on staying in Conway and contributing to the community for a very long time.