Bio

Jonathan Estes was named as the Freed-Hardeman University Athletic Director after more than a decade as the skipper of the school's baseball program.

An FHU baseball alumnus, Estes pitched three years, 2000-2002, for the Lions, earning all-conference honors each season and NAIA Scholar-Athlete his junior and senior years. He still holds career records for ERA (2.72) and complete games pitched (25). He spent three seasons in professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

Estes returned to FHU in 2009 as head baseball coach. He has led the Lions to three conference titles and two regular-season titles. His teams made national tournament appearances in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2021. The 2018 team finished as runner-up in the NAIA World Series.

Estes added assistant athletic director to his duties in 2018. He spearheaded the fundraising to renovate the baseball field, including the installation of artificial turf this year. Estes was instrumental in bringing the opening round of the NAIA World Series to Henderson in 2019.

"Jonathan Estes is an example of what Christian coaches strive to become. He has led his teams to compete for national championships, while always encouraging them to walk with the Lord," Shannon said. "As assistant AD, he has managed the discount rates of team scholarships and shared other leadership duties. I have full confidence in his competence, integrity, and vision. He has a recurring trait that will serve Lion athletics well: success."

"What a privilege and honor I have been given to serve the university, coaches and staff, and the student-athletes in this way!" Estes said. "I appreciate President Shannon's confidence in allowing me to lead our athletic program into the next chapter. I am grateful for Mike McCutchen's mentorship, and I appreciate what a great ambassador for FHU he has been for many years. The opportunity to work with outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff in striving for excellence is special, and I look forward to building upon the successes God has granted FHU Athletics in the past."

FHU is a member of the NAIA and competes in the Mid-South Conference. The university fields teams in men's and women's basketball, soccer, golf, cross country, and tennis, as well as women's teams in softball and volleyball and a men's team in baseball.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship, and service. With locations in Henderson, Memphis, and Dickson, FHU offers associate's, bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.