James Madison University announced this week that Christian Bourne has been hired as its new pitching coach, bringing a blend of alumni pride and proven coaching experience back to the Harrisonburg campus.
A familiar face returns to Harrisonburg
Bourne, who starred on the mound for the Dukes from 2016 to 2019, previously served as pitching coach at Radford University and as Director of Player Development at Georgia Southern before returning to his alma mater.
During his four seasons at Radford, the pitching staff set a school record for strikeouts per nine innings and the program signed its highest‑ranked recruiting class in conference history. He also mentored 2024 MLB eighth‑round pick Dylan Howard, who has become the program’s highest draft selection since 2017.
At Georgia Southern, Bourne helped host an NCAA Regional and guided the Eagles to a 41‑20 record, overseeing player development through cutting‑edge technology and innovative analytics.
Mentoring the next generation
Bourne’s influence extends beyond the college ranks; his work with Howard and the recent draft successes of players such as Chase DeLauter, Conor Hartigan and Lliam Grubbs highlight his ability to produce talent that catches the eye of professional scouts.
DeLauter, the 16th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, earned batting title honors with a .386 average, while Hartigan and Grubbs received national award watch list recognition. The Dukes finished second in the Colonial Athletic Association with a .288 team batting average.
Roots and family ties
A native of Forest, Virginia, Bourne is the nephew of former JMU Athletic Director Jeff Bourne, adding a personal dimension to his return. He began his coaching journey at Mount Juliet High School in Nashville, where he guided a pitching staff to a 2.50 ERA in 2020.
Looking ahead
With Bourne at the helm, the Dukes hope to build on recent offensive strengths and translate his developmental expertise into continued success on the mound. The university community looks forward to seeing how his blend of technology, innovation and personal connection will shape the next chapter of JMU baseball.