Bio

Mason Graves is entering his second year as the Royals’ hitting and infield coach. In his first year, the offense slashed .312/.412/.453 with a conference leading 160 stolen bases. Luke Wilson and Travis Hobbensiefken were named first team all conference within Graves’ offense. On the other side of the ball, the Royals fielded an impressive .963 which came in second amongst the conference. Two of Graves’ infielders won gold gloves in the form of second baseman Braden Frank and third baseman Brayden Taylor. 

Graves came to Johnson from Division II Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, where he served as the graduate assistant coach for two years. During his time at LMU, Graves was responsible for outfield play, baserunning, and assisting with hitters. His tenure saw the Railsplitters achieve back-to-back 30+ win seasons, accumulate over 100 stolen bases, and maintain a fielding percentage over .970. Under his guidance, the team set program records in doubles and home runs, with five hitters named to all-conference teams, including the conference and region player of the year.