Bio

J.R. Polak is the Hitting Coach for the Union Commonwealth University baseball team. A native of Smithfield, Virginia, he graduated from Smithfield High School in 2016, where he was named a 2015 Daily Press Virginia All-Star and led his conference in batting average with a remarkable .527 mark.

Polak continued his baseball career at St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, North Carolina, earning a degree in Sports Management in 2021. During his time at St. Andrews, he was a five-year starter, leading the 2021 team in batting average, home runs, and RBIs, and helping guide the team to the semifinals of the conference tournament.

Following his playing career, Polak transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach at St. Andrews University from 2021 to 2025, compiling a 109-81 (.573) win-loss record. He also coached in multiple summer leagues, including serving as assistant coach for the 2025 Carolina White Sox showcase team in 2023, head coach of the Rawling Stars in the BCBL (Myrtle Beach) in 2024—leading the team to the best record of the summer and mentoring the league MVP and Cy Young winner—and head coach of the Laurinburg Highland Hooligans in the ONSL for its inaugural 2025 season.

Polak brings extensive playing and coaching experience to Union Commonwealth University, combining a proven track record of success on and off the field with a passion for developing elite hitters.