Carsten Golden, Recruiting Coach
Springfield College
(872) 266-7150
NCSA Recruiting
I grew up in the northwestern corner of Connecticut in a baseball family (the nephew of a Major Leaguer) and like all of the Goldens – was in love with the game the moment I laid eyes on it. Although I was a good athlete, I wasn’t a good baseball player – and the fact that I wasn’t made me pursue it more aggressively than other sports. From the physical to the analytical, I’ve been chasing (and enjoying) success in baseball my whole life.
I attended Salisbury School in Connecticut and then went on to Springfield College – and while my playing career fizzled out quickly – my infatuation with the game only became more intense after I was done playing. Always a student of the game, I immersed myself in anything about the game that I could get my hands on. I read about the game, wrote about the game, and relentlessly pursued opportunities to work in the game. And ultimately, I achieved my goal.
I finally got lucky in 2013 when I was hired as the General Manager of the Valley Blue Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL). Over my five years with the Blue Sox, I was responsible for managing all facets of the organization, including generating revenue through ticket and sponsorship sales, brand building, community outreach, long-term venue strategy and managing the day-to-day operations of the club. However, it was on the baseball side of the organization where I made the most significant impact. During my tenure our team improved in wins every year, culminating in back-to-back league championships in 2017 and 2018 and finished ranked as the #1 team in all of summer collegiate baseball according to Perfect Game.
In addition to my duties here at NCSA, I currently serve as the Director of Player Personnel for the Westfield Starfires of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL). In this capacity, I oversee roster management, player recruitment and the hiring of the Starfires coaching staff. During my time in Summer Collegiate baseball, i’ve had players from over 200 different colleges and universities at all levels of the collegiate game; with over 80 players having been drafted by Major League Baseball organizations. I’m excited to bring a decade’s worth of close relationships with some of the best baseball minds, coaches and programs in the country and combine them with the scope, range and power of NCSA’s recruiting services to help you achieve your dream of playing college baseball. The journey is a rewarding one; but make no mistake about it – this is a decision that can positively impact your life for years to come. I’m excited to hear your story, help you in the process and help you find a place where you won’t just learn how to play the game of baseball at the next level; but you’ll find a place that will give you the tools and skills as a person to succeed at life decades after your time on the field is over.
When not knee-deep in baseball, you can find me on the couch reading a book, cooking and hanging out with our dog Doug. I love the Red Sox, UConn Huskies Basketball, boxing/MMA and am still deeply resentful about the departure of the Hartford Whalers. I currently reside in Western Massachusetts with my wife Anna and my two daughters Abbie and Lydia.
