Kris Welker is in his second year as the team's volunteer assistant. Welker works with the Hawkeye catchers and outfielders, prepares scouting reports and coaches first base.

As a player, Welker was a key member of the Hawkeyes in 2004 and 2005. As a senior, Welker earned third team all-Big Ten honors, helping Iowa to a third-place finish in the Big Ten and a trip to the conference tournament. He led the team with a .354 batting average, 46 RBIs and 16 doubles.

During his junior campaign, Welker set an Iowa record with 16 hit by pitch. He also led the team with 35 runs scored.

Before coming to the University of Iowa, Welker played at the College of Southern Idaho for two years, and earned first team all-conference laurels.

A catcher, Welker was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 41st round of the 2005 MLB Draft.

He graduated with a degree in health, leisure and sports studies in 2005.