Bio

Juan Rivera recently completed his second season in the role of assistant coach after playing baseball at Eastern Nazarene. Head coach B.J. Hampton hired Rivera after he earned the respect of the coaching staff and players during his five-year tenure as a student-athlete.

“Juan’s dedication and enthusiasm toward the program and for coaching is obvious,” Hampton said. “I am glad that he is on-board and I think he will play a large role in our upcoming success as a team. Hopefully the players will respond to having someone on the staff who knows what it is like to be to be a student-athlete here.”

Rivera was a versatile member of the Lions squad, having played pitcher and outfielder during his time at ENC. As a freshman, Rivera was awarded a medical red-shirt after sustaining an injury that required him to have Tommy John surgery.

“Having Tommy John taught me a lot about overcoming obstacles and adversity,” Rivera said. “I think this will be beneficial knowledge to impart upon our players, not only for now, but in their future endeavors.”

Rivera will serve as recruitment coordinator for the program, and hopes to make great strides in bringing in quality student-athletes.

“I am grateful to be in this position and to have an opportunity to turn the program into what Coach Hampton and I know it can be,” Rivera said. “Bringing accountability, passion and the mindset of continually getting better are my priorities. I am confident that when we add those things, wins will fall into place.”

Rivera graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at ENC.

Rivera is a native of Pelham, N.H., and resides in Quincy, Mass.