Justin Cunningham
Head Baseball Coach | Lyon College
Entering his fourth season as Head Baseball Coach at Lyon College, Justin Cunningham continues to
build on his extensive coaching career. Prior to returning to Lyon, Cunningham spent several years at
NCAA Division 1, University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in Conway, where he served as the Associate
Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Bears from 2017 to 2022.
At UCA, Cunningham played a role in shaping the team's success, overseeing the offense, defense, and
administrative functions. His leadership contributed to a school-record for conference wins in 2019, as
well as the team’s runner-up finish in the Southland Conference that same year. Under his guidance, five
players were selected in the MLB Draft, and the Bears consistently ranked in the top 25 nationally in
fielding percentage. Additionally, the team achieved an impressive 3.4 GPA in 2020, reflecting
Cunningham’s commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.
Before his tenure at UCA, Cunningham was involved in several other key coaching roles. He served as
Head Coach at TCS Post Grad in Texas from 2014 to 2017 and Central Christian College (McPherson,
KS) from 2012 to 2014, where he led the team to a school record of wins. Cunningham also worked as the
Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where he helped guide the
Eagles to 40+ wins and an NCCAA National Championship in 2011.
Cunningham's coaching journey began as a Graduate Assistant at Ouachita Baptist University from 2009
to 2010, where he contributed to various aspects of team management, including hitting, base running,
recruiting, and field maintenance.
A proud Lyon College alumnus, Cunningham holds a Master of Science in Sports Administration from
Henderson State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Economics from
Lyon College (2009).
Cunningham and his wife, Whitney, are excited to raise their two sons, Conner (19) and Brendan in Batesville, where he continues to impact the Lyon College baseball program.
