Over the past 17 years, John McCormack has played an important role on Kevin Cooney's staff. McCormack has been responsible for bringing the talent to Florida Atlantic. Under Cooney's direction the staff collectively mold the team and have prennially built a team that challenges the nation's best and have consistently place players into the pro ranks. McCormack has acted as the program's recruiting coordinator for the past 15 seasons. He was promoted to associate head coach in 1998.

His passion for the Boca Raton area and Florida Atlantic University has allowed McCormack to reach some of the best players in the state. Having lived in Boca Raton for more than 30 years, he realizes what a great area South Florida is and what it can provide student-athletes.

"For the past 17 years I've seen John grow from a novice to one of the best assistant coaches in the country," said head coach Kevin Cooney. "He has a knack for getting people to understand that they will be treated properly at FAU, while getting the opportunity to play a great schedule and compete for a championship every year."

"A common refrain from parents who have dealt with John is that he is a great representative of the program and Florida Atlantic University. His tireless work ethic is recognized by parents, scouts and opposing coaches. His devotion to the program and to the service of the athletes he coaches is one of the main reasons for the continued success of Florida Atlantic baseball."

McCormack joined the staff in 1991. He approached head coach Kevin Cooney about assuming the duties of recruiter and the current program was launched. McCormack has focused his attention on the pool of talent in the South Florida area. His first FAU recruiting class (1993) finished the season 41-17 and made a trip to the South Regional, where they fell to the eventual national champion.

In the 15 years that McCormack has recruited, FAU has won 575 games, tied a national record for consecutive games won (34), participated in seven NCAA Regionals (playing in the championship game four times) and won the Tuscaloosa Regional over the nation's no. 3 team, Alabama, in 2002. In 2003, McCormack was recognized with the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year Award for his efforts and accomplishments at FAU.

During his tenure in Boca Raton, FL, he has developed relationships with local baseball scouts and 68 FAU players have been drafted by or signed with professional teams; four of them have moved on to the major leagues. Twelve players were drafted in the first 10 rounds, including three third-rounders and two fifth-rounders.

"John's relentless work ethic has helped make me a better head coach in off-the-field matters," says head coach Kevin Cooney. "He resurrected our Alumni Day, expanded our contracts with equipment manufacturers and served as the academic counselor for baseball, as well as the Department of Athletics liaison with housing on our campus. He has built our summer camps into a successful business in one of the toughest camp markets in America."

In many cases, the talent was evident only to McCormack. FAU's baseball program has been built around the premise that McCormack would find athletes with the desire to win. The coaching staff would develop talent and the players would become better.

Before joining FAU, McCormack played ball for nearby Lynn University, where he received his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1990. At Lynn, McCormack earned All-Conference honors his junior (catcher) and senior (third baseman) seasons and All-Area Team MVP honors during his junior season. Prior to Lynn, he attended Indian River Community College and Pope John Paul II High School.

"I have had the opportunity to spend my career at a university that has grown exponentially since 1990," said McCormack. "The only thing better than a growing Florida Atlantic campus is the Boca Raton community. When I talk to baseball players about the experience that lies ahead at FAU, I know that those who choose to come to Florida Atlantic may eventually be my neighbors. Boca Raton is a place that offers so many professional opportunities and a lifestyle that is hard to leave after their collegiate experience has been completed."

Born in New York, McCormack has lived in South Florida for more than 30 years. He and his wife, Katrina, reside in Boca Raton with their sons Conor (10) and Shane (7).