Underwood tabbed Parsons' next Director of Athletics

BOAZ, Ala. – Casey Underwood, who currently works as Snead State Community College's Head Baseball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director, has been hired as the Parsons' next Director of Athletics, officials announced recently.

"It's an honor to be named the Athletic Director at Snead State," Underwood said.

"Being a former student-athlete and transitioning to head baseball coach, it's a great honor to continue to serve this college. I appreciate Dr. Whitmore for entrusting me with this role and responsibility to build on the solid foundation led by those before me. [Previous AD] Mark Richard has been a great mentor who not only created a championship culture in athletics but also a standard of excellence in academics and community engagement. It's my goal to continue to build on this legacy and position the Parsons for success."

This fall marked the beginning of Underwood's 20^th year on staff at Snead State and his sixth season leading the baseball program. Through five seasons, Underwood has compiled a 154-82 (.652) record with postseason appearances each year.

Since the 2018 season, Underwood has built Snead State Baseball into one of the nation's premier junior college programs. After winning the 2021 ACCC Northern Division Regular-Season Championship, the program continued to climb, leading to an unprecedented 2022 season – the program's first JUCO World Series appearance, first ACCC State Conference Championship and most program wins (42-16). 

In Underwood's career with the Parsons, he has coached more than 100 players who continued their baseball careers at the four-year collegiate level or professionally, including two Major League Draft picks and two free agent signees. The Parsons first-ever MLB debut was in 2023.

Underwood was recognized as the 2022 ABCA NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year and awarded Coach of the Year (2022), Co-Coach of the Year (2020) and Assistant Coach of the Year (2014) by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association.

Not only does Underwood lead the team on the field, but his leadership also translates to off-the-field excellence. Snead State Baseball received the ABCA Excellence Award Winner seven years running, graduated 100% of its student-athletes and received the ACCC Baseball Academic Team of the Year. The NJCAA has recognized Snead State Baseball as an All-Academic Team for thirteen years.

Off the field, Underwood has been a community college representative on the ALABCA Board and received the Alabama Community College Chancellor's Award (2014) for his commitment to his student-athletes hard work and success. He received the Parson Pride Award from the Boaz Chamber of Commerce (2023). He and his team volunteer their time and efforts with the Miracle League of Albertville at Sand Mountain Park.

Underwood began his collegiate career playing at Snead State and earned his bachelor's degree in sport management from Ashford University.

Underwood will continue his coaching duties while serving as Director of Athletics. He takes over following the retirement of former Director of Athletics Mark Richard.