RALEIGH, NC -- The William Peace University baseball program is pleased to announce two new additions to the coaching Sstaff.
 
Coach Ernie Jones brings a wealth of experience to the program as he served 17 seasons with the North Carolina Wesleyan College baseball program. Jones made his mark as the longest-tenured assistant coach in NCWC history, having his #8 jersey retired in the fall of 2015. 

Jones transferred to Wesleyan in the fall of 1991 to continue his collegiate playing career with the Bishops. His two-year tenure saw the area native play in two South Regional championships and one College World Series. A first team All-Conference performer at shortstop, he is regarded as one of the best defensive players in program history, turning in an impressive .961 fielding percentage during his career.

A 1993 Wesleyan graduate with a bachelor's degree in physical education, Jones made a full-time return to his alma mater in 1999 as assistant to Coach Long, setting the stage for the team's historic national championship run, a feat that he helped accomplish alongside his brother, Andy, who anchored second base for NCWC.

Jones teamed with Long for 16 more seasons and was a part of over 400 victories. As both a player and coach, he helped NCWC capture ten conference regular season and/or tournament championships, six NCAA Tournament berths, three regional championships, a trio of World Series appearances, and the 1999 Division III National Championship.

Coach Matt Ellsworth returns to the College game after previous stops at Wake Tech and Barton. During his time at WTCC, the Eagles enjoyed success as 10 Wake Tech players moved on to play at 4-year institutions over the first two years of the program during Ellsworth's time on staff. Prior to his arrival at Wake Tech, Matt spent 5 years as an assistant coach at Barton College serving as the assistant recruiting coordinator. Additionally, Coach Ellsworth was responsible for the development of the infielders and served as the assistant hitting coach. During his time with the Bulldogs, the program achieved 30 wins each season and landed in the top 25 twice.

As a former player for Coach Long at North Carolina Wesleyan College from 2000 – 2004, Ellsworth enjoyed coaching stints at Nash Central High School, New Bern High, and Wilson Hunt High School after his college playing career concluded. The Wilson Hunt team he helped reached the NCHSAA 3A State Championship Series, finishing as State Runner-up.

Most recently, in the summer of 2023, Matt was an assistant coach with the Clayton Clovers, a summer collegiate team in the Old North State League. He served as the Bench Coach and was the primary instructor for hitters, position players, and baserunners.

Head Coach Charlie Long stated, "I am so excited to have Coach Jones and Ellsworth join our already amazing staff. I am blessed to have Coaches that are not only passionate about the game, but more importantly, sincerely invested in the best interest of the Student-Athletes in our program."