New Albany Athletics is proud to announce the selection of Jonathan Braund as the next Head Baseball Coach for the Eagles.

Coach Braund brings more than a decade of experience within the New Albany Baseball program, having served in a variety of coaching roles since 2013. He began as a volunteer assistant coach at the middle school level before becoming the head eighth-grade coach in 2014. In 2016, he joined the high school staff, coaching both the freshman and junior varsity teams through 2024 before serving as a varsity assistant coach for the past two seasons.

His extensive experience throughout every level of the program has allowed him to build meaningful relationships with student-athletes and families while gaining a deep understanding of the tradition and expectations of New Albany Baseball.

"Jonathan has dedicated himself to our baseball program for more than a decade and has earned the respect of our student-athletes, coaches, and community," said Athletic Director Richie Wildenhaus. "His passion for developing young people, his commitment to education-based athletics, and his vision for the future of our program made him an outstanding choice to lead New Albany Baseball."

Braund's coaching philosophy centers on developing outstanding young men through the game of baseball. He believes athletics provide an opportunity to instill lifelong values including discipline, resilience, compassion, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

"I coach because I enjoy seeing players grow both on the field and off the field as young men," Braund shared during the interview process. "I want every player to know they matter, feel valued, and enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves."

As head coach, Braund plans to build a culture founded on three guiding principles: Play Hard. Love Your Teammates. Respect the Game.

These principles will serve as the foundation for a program built on accountability, family, selflessness, and pride in representing New Albany High School and the community. He is committed to creating an environment where every student-athlete understands their role, feels supported by teammates and coaches, and strives to become the best version of themselves both on and off the field.

Braund also emphasized the importance of building strong relationships through open communication and collaboration with players, parents, coaches, and the community to ensure the best possible experience for every student-athlete.

A wellness teacher within New Albany-Plain Local Schools, Braund has long demonstrated a commitment to the development of students beyond athletics. His experience as an educator, combined with his years of service within the baseball program, uniquely positions him to continue the tradition of excellence established by New Albany Baseball while leading the program into its next chapter.

Please join New Albany Athletics in congratulating Jonathan Braund on his appointment as Head Baseball Coach. We look forward to the future of Eagles Baseball under his leadership.