ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Navy head baseball coach Chuck Ristano announced the newest addition to his first-year staff on Wednesday, hiring former minor leaguer Adam Pavkovich as an assistant coach.
 
"Adam and I go back a long way as I was lucky enough to work with him at Notre Dame on two separate occasions," said Ristano. "He brings with him a tremendous skill set on top of a professional and positive temperament. His ability to coach fundamental infield defense at an elite level along with his offensive acumen will pay immediate dividends to our program. He has also seen every level of college baseball and his experience as a professional ballplayer will be a tremendous asset."
 
"More than anything, he is someone of unimpeachable moral fiber, a devoted husband and father, and someone who embraces how special and distinctive our product is," added Ristano. "I am extremely excited to welcome Adam, Lindsay, and his three beautiful children to the Naval Academy family."
 
With eight seasons of professional playing experience and having coached for more than a decade at the Division I level, Pavkovich joins a Navy staff that reunites him with Ristano and includes returners Jeff Kane and Tim Reilly, who enter their 10th and second years with the Midshipmen, respectively.
 
"I'd like to thank Chuck as well as Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk for this incredible opportunity," said Pavkovich. "It is a great honor and privilege to be a part of something so special and to help drive the mission here at the Naval Academy. My wife and I couldn't be more thrilled to bring our family to Annapolis. Go Navy! Beat Army!"


 
Pavkovich most recently served as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky for three seasons (2020-2022), working with the Hilltoppers' catchers and outfielders while also handling the role of recruiting coordinator.
 
During his time at WKU, Pavkovich helped lead the Hilltoppers to a 10-6 start in the 2020 season before the campaign was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2021 team racked up 27 wins en route to its second-straight Conference USA Tournament appearance. Individually, Pavkovich helped coach outfielder Jackson Gray to All-Conference USA Second-Team and ABCA/Rawlings Midwest All-Region Second-Team honors in 2021, before developing catcher Ty Batusich into a 2022 All-CUSA Freshman Team selection the following season.
 
Pavkovich spent 2019 as an assistant at Notre Dame alongside Ristano, where Pavkovich was responsible for infield defense and running the offense while assisting in recruiting efforts. Helping complete back-to-back Top-50 recruiting classes in 2020 and 2021, his second stint in South Bend also saw him work with the analytics team to develop advanced scouting reports and internal evaluations.
 
Prior to his Fighting Irish return, Pavkovich was an assistant coach for three years at Georgia State (2016-18). Helping improve the Panthers' slugging percentage in each season, he was also responsible for coaching infield defense as well as instituting offensive approaches and philosophy. Additionally, as the Panthers' recruiting coordinator, he prepared and executed a recruiting strategy that helped land a school-record No. 61-ranked class in 2017.
 
Pavkovich's first stint with the Irish was as a volunteer assistant in 2014 and 2015, working with Notre Dame's infielders and hitters. With Pavkovich and Ristano helping the team to an NCAA Regional berth in 2015, Pavkovich oversaw a defense that led Division I in double plays while ranking ninth nationally in fielding percentage. Individually, Pavkovich mentored a 2015 ABCA Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipient in current Toronto Blue Jays infielder Cavan Biggio.
 
Pavkovich arrived at Notre Dame after spending the 2013 season as an assistant coach at Alabama-Huntsville, and also spent two years (2011-12) as a student assistant at his alma mater Alabama. During his time on the Crimson Tide staff, Pavkovich mentored a 2011 ABCA Rawlings Gold Glove Award selection in center fielder Taylor Dugas, who was later picked in the 12th round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees.
 
Pavkovich began his coaching career at IMG Academy (2007-2009) in Sarasota, Fla., serving as a special instructor during the winters. While at IMG, he worked with several players who went on to be drafted and a pair who eventually reached the Major Leagues in Tyler Pastornicky of the Atlanta Braves and J.R. Murphy of the New York Yankees.
 
Selected in the 11th round of the 2003 MLB Draft, Pavkovich enjoyed an eight-year professional baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels organization, reaching Triple-A while earning invitations to Major League spring training in 2008 and 2009. He played in 708 career minor league games, turning in his best year in 2008 as he batted .280 with 22 home runs and 80 RBI for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees.
 
Pavkovich was a three-year letter winner as a shortstop at Alabama (2001-03), helping the Crimson Tide to Southeastern Conference Tournament championships and NCAA Regional appearances in 2002 and 2003. His best year came in 2003, when he batted .338 with 11 home runs, 55 RBI and an SEC-leading 27 doubles, earning SEC All-Tournament Team honors and being named CoSIDA Academic All-District.
 
Pavkovich completed his bachelor's degree in commerce and business administration from Alabama in 2012, minoring in computer science. The Venice, Fla., native is married to the former Lindsay Devore, and the couple has two daughters, Presley Grace and Sadie Belle, and one son, Ty.