Sean Slavin joined the McMurry softball coaching staff in 2018-19. Slavin is a McMurry alumnus, Class of 2008, who has an extensive background as a softball instructor and clinician – most alongside Coach David McNally - over the years.
With Slavin's help, the McMurry Softball program has a 75-89 record in its first five seasons of existence. After two years of helping build the program from scratch, Slavin has helped the team compile a 52-34 record over the last three seasons.
With Slavin as an assistant, the War Hawks completed their first full winning season in 2021 with an 18-14 record, appearing in the American Southwest Conference Championship tournament for the first time in program history. In 2022, the team took it one step further and added a record 21 wins and a postseason win over UT Dallas.
Slavin also aided the War Hawks to their first taste of national attention as McMurry received a vote for the NFCA Top for the first time in program history in 2021. McMurry also took two of three games from No. 2 East Texas Baptist, marking the first series win over a ranked opponent for the first time in program history. Six players earned all-conference honors and sophomore pitcher Kinleigh Stotts won ASC West Pitcher of the Week three weeks in a row.
Slavin assisted McNally and the War Hawks to a record start in 2020 with a 13-2, 8-1 ASC mark before the remainder of the season was canceled. McM posted a 9-1 record at Edwards Field.
“I am beyond excited to bring in Sean to our program,” McNally said at the time of hire. “Sean is the epitome of our athletics department motto of ‘Developing Champions for Life’. His experience working with young people, his love of the game and his love for McMurry will make a huge impact on our program.”
Slavin honed his skills as a member of the McM baseball program, where he was teammates with McNally. After graduation from McMurry, McNally wasted no time in reuniting with Slavin when he wanted a quality instructor for camps and clinics.
Beyond his demonstrated knowledge of the skills required for softball, Slavin’s commitment to young people drew McNally’s attention, as well. For more than a decade, Slavin has amassed work and volunteer experience dedicated to youth. Those experiences include as a retreat leader for Camp Buckner, a house parent for Arms of Hope, as well as numerous youth groups and school programs. He volunteered with the Hendricks Equine Rehabilitation Organization (HERO).
Slavin and his wife, Cathy, reside in Abilene. The couple has two children: daughter, Abigail, and son, SJ.
