CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Former Slippery Rock University baseball standout Billy Messer was recently hired as an administrative assistant coach at the University of Virginia, Cavaliers head coach Brian O'Connor announced.

"I am thrilled to have Billy join our Virginia baseball staff," O'Connor said. "Billy brings a great work ethic, baseball knowledge and energy to our program. He will help us in day-to-day operations which will really benefit our players and coaches. He fits perfectly with what our program is all about, and I am happy he is beginning his career at UVa."

At Virginia, Messer will have a wide range of responsibilities, as he will be involved in every aspect of the program. He will serve as the team's travel coordinator and also will assist with all aspects of game day operations and on-campus recruiting.

"I am very excited about joining the Virginia staff and working with such a highly respected program," Messer said. "I would like to thank Coach O'Connor for the opportunity. I am looking forward to learning under him and his staff and working with the players here."

Messer joined the UVa staff after spending four successful seasons as SRU's starting second baseman. A three-time All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division selection, he was a .317 career hitter at Slippery Rock and finished with 197 career hits in 181 games. He concluded the 2010 season with a career-high .373 batting average and was second on the team in doubles (17). Over his final two seasons, he combined to hit .358 with 41 extra-base hits.

Messer also earned honorable mention National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association all-region honors and served as a team captain during his senior year in 2010. As a junior he was a second-team American Baseball Coaches Association all-region performer and an honorable mention NCBWA all-region honoree.

He also served on the Student Athletic Advisor Council all four years and was the organization's treasurer his senior year.

A native of Slippery Rock and the youngest child of SRU Head Baseball Coach Jeff Messer and his wife Mary, Billy graduated from Slippery Rock in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in finance.