Coach Justin Haire is leaving Campbell for Ohio State.
(Campbell photo)
BUIES CREEK — After leading Campbell’s baseball program for the last 10 seasons, coach Justin Haire has accepted the same role at Ohio State.
“Over the last 17 seasons, Coach Haire has reshaped our baseball program, first as an assistant and then as head coach, establishing Campbell as one of the preeminent forces in the sport,” said CU athletic director Hannah Bazemore. “While we will miss Coach Haire, we are thankful for all he has given to Campbell and are excited for this opportunity for him and his wonderful family at Ohio State.
“Personally, I am so grateful for our friendship over the years, as well as professionally for his leadership and representation on campus and in our community. I look forward to watching Coach Haire’s continued success in Columbus.”
“‘Thank you’ probably doesn’t do it enough justice for the love and care I have for Campbell Baseball, the school and the community,” Haire said. “But I’m unbelievably grateful to have the opportunity to serve this place and these people for the last 17 years. Campbell, and this community are special, and will always hold a huge piece of our hearts.”
Over his decade at the helm, Haire departs as Campbell’s all-time winningest coach in program history, tallying 317 victories, with the four-time conference coach of the year collecting seven 30-plus win seasons, including 40 or more twice.
During Haire’s tenure as coach, the Camels won five regular season conference titles and four conference tournament titles. The team advanced to five consecutive NCAA Regionals from 2018 to 2023 (the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19), including Regional Finals in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
“Our goal was to always do our best to leave this place, this jersey, and this program better than how we found it, and I know that we did everything we could to accomplish that,” added Haire. “This program belongs to the players, the coaches and the staff, that have sacrificed so much to make it special. I’m thankful to have been able to play a role in the history of Campbell baseball, and I am confident that the best is yet to come.”
In the past 10 seasons, Campbell baseball players have been honored 33 times as first team all-conference members. Nine different players have been named All-Americans, while Ryan Thompson, Thomas Harrington and Lawson Harrill became the first Camels to be named semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award.
Haire’s reach has extended past Buies Creek into Major League Baseball. Six former Camels have made their MLB debuts since Haire was named Camels coach in June, 2014. A total of 16 players have been drafted since 2015, and 23 players have signed professional contracts. Currently, seven former Camels are in Double-A or higher.
A national search will begin immediately.
(Campbell media relations provided the basis for this report)
