Troy University’s Bobby Pierce was named American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) South Central Region Coach of the Year this week.

“This honor represents the hard work by our entire program,” Pierce said.

Pierce was also named 2011 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year after leading his squad to the regular season conference title.

The Trojans finished 43-19 and received votes in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) poll.

Troy received an at-large bid into the Nashville Regional where they knocked off Oklahoma State in the opening game.

Adam Bryant was awarded the 2011 Sun Belt Player of the Year and Tyler Ray was named Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year.

“Anytime your program receives an  award you have to look at the program as a whole,” said Pierce. “Assistant coaches and administrators play a huge role in our success.”

By winning the regional award, Pierce is now eligible for the National Coach of the Year. That award winner will be named later this month.