Michael Holder is in his first year as an assistant head coach under Tom Cantrell at the University of North Georgia.

Holder makes his way to North Georgia after spending eight seasons as an assistant coach for Peach Belt Conference foe USC Aiken.

The Evans, Ga., native has over 10 years working at the NCAA Division I and II level and will bring a wealth of experience to the Saints in 2013.

"We are excited to bring someone like Michael into our program, head coach Tom Cantrell said. "His ample experience in the Peach Belt and knowledge of the game should provide an immediate impact in 2013."

Holder completed his eighth season as an assistant coach for the USC Aiken baseball program in 2012, and also finished his second year as the pitching coach for the Pacers. Under his direction, the pitching staff at USC Aiken posted a 3.57 earned run average in 2012 and led the Pacers to a 38-win season and a top-20 ranking in the final Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Division II National Poll.

As a hitting instructor in his early seasons at USC Aiken, Holder helped the Pacers to a school-record 47 wins in 2008 and the Peach Belt Conference regular season championship in 2009. The Pacers broke numerous school hitting records in 2009 with Southeast Region Player of the Year and consensus All-American Travis Howard leading the nation in RBIs with 103, which also tied an NCAA DII national record.

Prior to his stint at USC Aiken, Holder spent three seasons as a volunteer assistant at Vanderbilt University. During his tenure in Nashville, Tennessee, Holder mentored the Commodore catchers and oversaw field preparations at Hawkins Field.

In the summer of 2003, Holder served as an assistant coach for the Cotuit Kettleers of the prestigious Cape Cod League.

Prior to his arrival at Vanderbilt, Holder spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Greenbrier High School summer league followed by a one-year stay as an assistant at Middle Georgia College.

Holder graduated from Augusta State University in May 2001 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education. As a player, he was a four-year letterwinner as a catcher at Georgia Southern University from 1995-1999.

Holder and his wife Stephanie have one daughter (Lily).