“I’ve known Andrew for a long time. He is a very energetic, knowledgeable young coach,” said Finwood. “He did a great job with recruiting at VMI, helping them to a school record for wins this past season. I’m really excited to have Andrew join our staff.”
In his four years with the Keydets, Slater served as third base coach, while working with hitters and infielders. In addition, he was promoted to recruiting coordinator in 2003. In his four years, VMI compiled 84 wins and advanced to the semifinals of the 2003 Southern Conference Tournament. The Keydets also qualified for the 2005 Big South Conference Tournament after a fifth-place finish in the league.
Slater began his collegiate playing career at the University of Richmond where he played third base, and also served as placekicker on the Spider football team. He was a member of the 1997 NCAA Regional team and Richmond where he hit a game-winning home run in a victory over St. John’s.
He transferred to Auburn after the 1998 campaign, playing for two more NCAA Regional teams with the Tigers in 1999 and 2000. Slater then served as a student assistant with Auburn’s 2001 NCAA Tournament squad before joining his brother, Tom, at VMI prior to the ‘01 campaign.
A native of Richmond, Va., Slater is a 1996 graduate of Collegiate High School where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2004. He was named the 1996 Player of the Year, and was chosen to the Richmond Times Dispatch all-Metro team. He was also an all-Metro selection in football, and all-Prep League choice in baseball, football, basketball and soccer.
