Charleston, S.C. – Former Citadel standout Justin Mackert is returning to his alma mater as the volunteer assistant coach for the Bulldog baseball program.

Mackert replaces Adam Vrable, who accepted an assistant coaching position at Charleston Southern last month. Mackert will be in charge of the hitters and also instruct The Citadel outfielders.

The Ohio native started all 179 games his final three seasons as a Bulldog, playing first base in 2010 and 2011 before moving to left field as a senior in 2012. He finished with a career batting average of .303 (212-for-700) to go along with 39 doubles, 13 home runs, 130 runs scored and 111 RBI.

Mackert ranks 11th in school history with 67 stolen bases and tied for 12th with a stolen base percentage of .807. He is also tied for eighth with 12 sacrifice flies.

He finished over the .300 plateau twice including a career-best .335 batting average in 2010. He swiped 25 bases in 31 attempts his senior season and was 24-for-27 in that department his sophomore campaign.

Mackert led The Citadel to its most recent Southern Conference championship in 2010, earning tournament Most Outstanding Player accolades after going 7-for-15 with five runs scored, seven RBI and five stolen bases. He was also the SoCon Player of the Month for May of that year.

"We are excited to have Justin back as part of the Bulldog baseball program," said head coach Fred Jordan. "He was an outstanding player and leader during his playing career, and we feel he has a lot to offer our current players."