“When I think about Russ Burroughs, I think about someone who has completely changed the trajectory of my life. He brings positive energy to any environment he is in, and truly makes the people around him better at whatever they are pursuing. I’ve spent two summers with Russ when, at the time, my goal was to become the best baseball player I could be. While he helped me tremendously with my on the field skills, his impact on me as a person off the field weighs more to me. He contributed to my transformation from a boy to a man, and taught me valuable life lessons, even when I couldn’t understand why some things in my life were happening. He was and is someone I will always be able to talk to about anything, and I consider anyone who is lucky enough to work with him lucky. Russ is a true friend, an incredible mentor, and has the ability to positively impact anyone’s life.”
-Andrew Ciufo, Clemson University
“Everyone has problems some bigger, some smaller. And sometimes people feel as if they’re bigger and stronger than all of their problems, so suppressing them is their solution. I was one of those people. Russ and I have always had a good relationship, conversation came easy. And it never really had to do with internal problems. Until I finally reached a breaking point and had too many things on my mind at one time to focus on what was most important to me.
At the time the only person I could seek sanction in was Russ. He listened to everything that I had going on at the time; baseball, a break up, a few burnt bridges I couldn’t seem to shake off, and issues with family. Russ took the time to talk to me about each of these things. He helped me face my largest issue to clear my mind. And we work out ways to deal with the other issues along the journey ahead. Russ helped me in one of the more trying times in my life. Whether he knew it or not. I have a lot to thank Russ for, (as most people know him as a baseball coach) he gave me the opportunity to further my baseball career, helped me with a championship, and many good times. But I could never thank him enough for the respect and care that he showed me in some truly dark times. He is an extremely impactful figure and he knows how to work with people with their individual needs. He doesn’t use cookie cutter methods. He goes out of his way to help someone and better them in their pursuit to achievement in their next goal.”
-Benny Wilson, George Washington University
“Russ has been very instrumental not only in my baseball career but also in my life. Russ is a genuine man who really strives to model how to treat others with respect and hold you accountable to your dreams and goals. Russ was my coach in Wilmington for two summers but our relationship was not only in North Carolina. Russ was very persistent in checking up on me on how I am feeling about baseball, relationships outside of the team and how school is going as well.
Russ a big part of the development of turning me into the man that I am today. Russ has always been there for me when I needed to talk about hard topics, when I needed an encouraging words, or whenever I need a good laugh. He is someone that I trust with my words and will always have my back and any of his players backs. That is something that is super powerful and comforting as a player and now friend.
Russ has also had a strong relationship with the Lord that has shown me to be faithful in the tough times. He has shown what it looks like to prioritize time with the Lord even in a very busy season of life. I am very thankful for the role that Russ played in my life and still plays to this day.”
-AJ Mendolia, University of Central Arkansas
“For the past 2 years, Russ Burroughs has been my summer collegiate baseball coach. On paper, that’s his title, but to me, he has been much more than that. Russ has always looked to find ways to support me in all aspects of life, not just baseball. Whether that’s asking me how my family/friends are doing, or just checking in with a phone call to see how things have been since our last conversation. Russ rekindled a love and passion for the game of baseball in me that I wasn’t sure could come back. Before my first season with the Wilmington Sharks, baseball was something that I treated like a job where I wasn’t having fun. Russ allowed me to open up, be loose, and play the game the way everyone does when they are 8-10 years old. Our relationship goes beyond the baseball field, and he has helped mold me into the person I am today. Russ has always wanted the best for me, whether that’s giving relationship advice or always making sure I was taken care of during my summers away from home. He has a very good knack of always bringing the best possible version of myself out and pushing me to be the best possible version of myself on a day to day basis. I am thankful that God allowed our paths to cross and for us to create the relationship that we have today.”
-Connor Powell, Belmont Abbey
-Max Sadler, Assistant Coach of the Wilmington Sharks
“In the summer of 2021, I was introduced to Russ Burroughs and received the opportunity to coach on his staff. I was a young coach that was hungry to elevate my coaching ability. Coaching baseball under Russ Burroughs has been a transformative experience in my life and career. Russ embodies passion and dedication, inspiring not only his players but also those of us fortunate enough to work alongside him. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his ability to connect with each player on a personal level, created an environment where athletes could thrive.
Russ taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience, lessons that extend far beyond the field. His mentorship helped me develop my own coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of pouring into each player individually. He encouraged me to challenge myself, fostering a growth mindset that has shaped my approach to coaching.
Thanks to Russ, I’ve gained invaluable skills, built lasting relationships, and discovered a deeper passion for the game. His influence has not only enriched my coaching career but has also profoundly impacted my life, instilling a sense of purpose and commitment that I carry into every aspect of my journey. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an exceptional coach and mentor.”
“Russ has been more than just a coach to me; he’s been a mentor and a true role model. From the first time I met him, I was young, new to the team, and out of my comfort zone. Russ, simply being the kind of guy he is, made me feel like I belonged, even when I doubted myself. He always knew how to push me beyond my comfort zone, but in a way that supported me. Whether it was sitting in the bullpen talking about how to grow within the sport of baseball, or simply just shooting me a text to see how I’m doing, Russ always takes the time to show how much he cares. In a dark time, Russ was a light at the end of a dark tunnel. He helped me in more ways than just one. Putting baseball aside, Russ is the type of person who will care and look out for you in times of need. He is one of the only people I can truly say had my best interest at heart when helping me make decisions.
What stands out about Russ is how much he genuinely cares about his players as people. Although he hasn’t coached me in over two years, he still reminds me that if I ever need advice or just someone to talk to, he’s only a phone call away. His focus isn’t just on helping those he’s around become better ball players but also on making sure we grow as individuals. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance, his encouragement, and the way he’s shaped not just my game but my outlook on life.”
-Austin Skipper, Methodist University
“Russ has been more than just a coach to me; he’s been a mentor and a true role model. From the first time I met him, I was young, new to the team, and out of my comfort zone. Russ, simply being the kind of guy he is, made me feel like I belonged, even when I doubted myself. He always knew how to push me beyond my comfort zone, but in a way that supported me. Whether it was sitting in the bullpen talking about how to grow within the sport of baseball, or simply just shooting me a text to see how I’m doing, Russ always takes the time to show how much he cares. In a dark time, Russ was a light at the end of a dark tunnel. He helped me in more ways than just one. Putting baseball aside, Russ is the type of person who will care and look out for you in times of need. He is one of the only people I can truly say had my best interest at heart when helping me make decisions.
What stands out about Russ is how much he genuinely cares about his players as people. Although he hasn’t coached me in over two years, he still reminds me that if I ever need advice or just someone to talk to, he’s only a phone call away. His focus isn’t just on helping those he’s around become better ball players but also on making sure we grow as individuals. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance, his encouragement, and the way he’s shaped not just my game but my outlook on life.”
-Peyton Consigli, Canisius College
“I had the opportunity to play for Coach Burroughs for two seasons. Both summers as his player impacted my career in ways that I will always remember, cherish, and be extremely thankful for. What I will remember most about Coach Burroughs is his guidance in managing both mental and physical fatigue, which inevitably occurs for athletes from time to time for various reasons. In the summer of 2022 (my second summer playing for him), I struggled to perform as well as I had the previous summer, and the demands of summer baseball—combined with my on-field struggles and some off-field issues—took a significant toll on me. Instead of giving up on me and losing confidence in my abilities, Coach Burroughs went out of his way to support me. He offered advice on how to navigate challenges both on and off the field and frequently expressed his belief that I was still the player I had been the previous summer, affirming that he hadn’t lost any faith in me. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial this support was in helping me work through my struggles and emerge from them wiser and stronger.
As I finished my playing career and started my coaching career, Coach Burroughs remains as someone I kept in touch with regularly. This alone shows that he cares about his players as more than just their abilities as baseball players; he genuinely cares about their lives and strives to be a strong influence on their futures. It is truly remarkable to see that our relationship has continued to grow even after I was no longer his player.”
-Taber Mongero, UNCW
“It has been a true pleasure knowing Russ over the past three years. He has always been a well-respected leader and coach. After coming off a strong college season my junior year, I went into summer ball struggling at the plate. Russ worked with me through my mental space and became a source of confidence when I couldn’t find it within myself. From casual run-ins at the local gym to late-night conversations after road trips, he always took the time to check in on me and share his thoughts. After my first few months alongside Russ, I learned one important thing about him: he genuinely cared.
Years later, I can only thank him for giving me the confidence and spirit he instilled in me. The lessons I learned during my time with Russ set me up for success in my final college season and beyond. He encouraged me to take big steps and challenge myself. In my final year of college, I started my MBA, worked in a high-level internship, and became a leader in the locker room and a positive influence on my teammates. Today, those lessons still hold true as I advance in my career and maintain a healthy physical and mental lifestyle.
Listening to his thought leadership and guidance will provide you with a new paradigm that will set you up for anything sports or life can throw at you.”
-Chaz Bertolani, Lipscomb University
“Russ Burroughs. I’ve had the pleasure of spending two summers with him in Wilmington, NC playing for him with the Sharks. Not only was Russ a great coach for me on the field but was my friend outside of the lines. He directly impacted my life for the better and is truly someone worth working with. I’m proud to call him a mentor of mine, but always a friend first. Whenever I was off or something was wrong he knew right away and knew how to fix the solution and/or find ways for me to navigate through it. Throughout the summer of 2024, we won a championship together showing how much this guy really cared for his players and how much he cares about the success of young athletes. With Russ involved, it was the easiest decision to show up to the yard everyday and really put your best product forward. I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for me in baseball, and ultimately life.”
-Cam Hassert, LMU
“Coach Burroughs had a profound impact on my life, serving not only as a coach but also as a friend. He was always available for conversation and life advice, demonstrating a genuine commitment to his players' well-being. His open communication style fostered a supportive environment where we could address any challenges together.
Coach Burroughs instilled in me the importance of discipline and the pursuit of continuous improvement. Through his own commitment to healthy living and rigorous training, he set a powerful example of what it takes to succeed both on and off the field".”
-Wes Earles, Wright State University
“Russ has been a great coach and role model for what it looks like to pursue what you’re passionate about. Russ brings it everyday on the field but also is an incredible resource off the field. He has helped me dive into who I am and why I am who I am. The game of baseball is great, but it does not define who we are. Life happens, and when it does, it’s necessary that we have the ability to navigate those situations with people that truly care about you and are willing to lean in, listen, and work through anything. Russ has been there for me and pushed me to gain a better understanding of who I am and how I can develop myself to thrive both on and off the field.”
-Trace Willhoite, Lipscomb University
“I met Russ this summer when I went to play on the Wilmington Sharks in North Carolina. Since day one he was on my side and I felt I could talk to him about anything. I went to him for life advice, predominantly about baseball and what to do in the next chapter of my life. Talking to him gave me a new perspective which gave me clarity and confidence to take the next steps towards my career. I highly recommend Russ to anyone looking to elevate their mindset and achieve meaningful progress in life.”
-Travis Lavendier, Salem University
-Kross Robinson, University of North Carolina Greensboro
“Coach Russ has played a significant role in my athletic career as well as my life in general. Upon first meeting Russ in 2019, it was apparent that his goal as a coach was to positively impact his athletes. He is responsible for completely shifting my athletic mentality which carried over into my daily life post baseball. What started as a coach to player relationship rapidly developed into a friendship. I cannot imagine my baseball career without the impact of Coach Russ. A coach, a mentor, and a friend.”
“Russ was my summer ball coach for two years in Wilmington, North Carolina. Two of the most memorable summers of my baseball career. Russ always looked out for me, on and off the field. Whether it was watching film with me or watching one of my bullpens, or asking me if I wanted to come to the beach on our off days. He always made sure my confidence was high no matter what was going on and never wanted me to get down on myself and ruin my mental state. It’s one of the things I’ve really taken from him and have used in baseball and in my everyday life. I definitely saw him as a father figure while I was away from my own family. Russ has shown me what a coach is supposed to look like and what I aspire to be as a coach one day. I would not be where I am today as a player or as a person, if I hadn’t met Russ. Our relationship has definitely grown from coach-player into a great friendship. Baseball might have brought us together, but he and I will always have a connection beyond the baseball field.”
-Joe Sperone, West Chester University
“Working with Coach Russ has truly been a life-changing experience, both on and off the field. When I first came to him as a sophomore in high school, I expected to work solely on my hitting, but what I received was so much more. Russ has a way of understanding not just the mechanics of a swing but the mindset behind it. He helped me realize that my mental approach is just as important as my physical abilities. His constant encouragement to trust the process, stay present, and be resilient has carried over into every aspect of my life.
Off the field, he’s been a mentor who’s taught me the value of mental toughness, self-confidence, and discipline. Russ is the only coach I've worked with where I can confidently be my full, unapologetic self. He has an incredible ability to read my emotions from the moment I walk into each lesson, and he's quick to ask what’s wrong when I’m off. Russ is always open to talk about any problem, big or small. He’s shown me what it truly means to be cared for, not just as a player, but as a person. His belief in me has helped me believe in myself, and I’m forever grateful for the impact he’s had on my growth as an athlete and as a person.”
-Maddie Parker, Sewanee
“I am incredibly grateful for the impact Russ has had on my life, both as a mentor and a coach. I had the privilege of playing baseball for him in the Coastal Plain League during the summers of 2021 and 2022, and his guidance was instrumental in my development as an athlete. In the summer of 2023, I stepped into my first coaching role as his pitching coach, and it was a transformative experience.
Russ's leadership style is empowering; he has a unique ability to inspire athletes to push beyond their limits while fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment. His insights into both the mental and physical aspects of the game have not only shaped my approach to coaching but have also taught me valuable life lessons about resilience, teamwork, and dedication. Russ has a genuine passion for helping others succeed, and his commitment to his players goes beyond just the field. I truly believe that his new venture as a life coach for athletes will change lives, just as he has changed mine. I am excited to see how he continues to make a positive impact in the athletic community and beyond!”
-Tanner Sinicki, Binghamton University