News Summary
San Diego State University has appointed Kevin Vance as the new head coach of its baseball team. Aimed at revitalizing the struggling program, Vance brings a wealth of coaching experience and a commitment to fostering player development. He faces the challenge of retaining players after recent departures and aims to enhance the team’s competitiveness as SDSU transitions to the Pac-12. Vance’s goals include building a strong team culture and consistently competing for championships, reflecting the program’s potential to succeed.
San Diego – San Diego State University (SDSU) has appointed Kevin Vance as the new head coach of its baseball program. The 34-year-old San Diego native takes over the Aztecs baseball team, stepping into the role previously held by Shaun Cole, who was dismissed after two seasons. Vance aims to revitalize the program, which has struggled in recent years, with hopes of returning the team to NCAA tournament contention.
Vance comes to SDSU with a strong coaching background, having served as the pitching coach at the University of Arizona for the past two seasons. Under his guidance, the Wildcats reached the College World Series in 2025, although they were eliminated in the opening rounds by Coastal Carolina and Louisville. Vance’s experience also includes stints as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Rhode Island, where he focused on developing pitchers, and prior positions at Boston College and the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he played as a two-way player and received All-American honors.
His appointment marks a significant moment in SDSU baseball history, as Vance becomes the seventh head coach of the program, following in the footsteps of notable figures such as Tony Gwynn and Mark Martinez. With a mission to enhance the team’s performance and culture, Vance emphasizes the importance of leadership and personal development for the players in his program.
With a current roster that faces instability, Vance confronts the challenge of retaining key athletes amid significant player departures. A number of Aztec players have entered the NCAA transfer portal following Cole’s exit, including Marko Sipila, Nevan Noonan, Finley Bates, Jake Jackson, CJ Moran, and Daniel Arambula. Vance acknowledges the urgency of stabilizing the program to prevent further talent loss.
As SDSU transitions to the rebranded Pac-12, competition is set to increase significantly, with teams like Oregon State posing additional challenges. Vance’s strategy not only includes enhancing player retention but also improving the baseball program’s resources, such as scholarships and facilities, allowing the Aztecs to compete against historically successful programs.
Established as a “sleeping giant” in college baseball, SDSU has not reached NCAA regionals since 2018, a fact that highlights the urgency of revitalization under Vance’s leadership. He is committed to fostering a strong team culture and believes in the talent present within the current roster. His goals for the program include consistently competing for championships and effectively utilizing the incoming talent.
Throughout his professional career, Vance has demonstrated a clear focus on player development and success. After being drafted in the 19th round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox, Vance played five seasons in the minor leagues, achieving the status of reaching Triple-A. This experience has uniquely positioned him to understand the pressures that come along with collegiate and professional baseball.
The feedback from former SDSU baseball players has been positive regarding Vance’s hiring. Notable alumni such as Bud Black, Stephen Strasburg, and Tony Gwynn Jr. have expressed their support for Vance, underscoring his connection to the local community and the baseball program.
As he takes on the challenges of leading SDSU baseball, Kevin Vance is aiming to create a sustainable model for success, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term goals. His commitment to maintaining NCAA regionals at Tony Gwynn Stadium reflects his belief in the program’s potential and his determination to harness the talent available at SDSU.
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Aztec: SDSU Baseball Names Kevin Vance New Head Coach
- Mountain West Conference: SDSU Baseball Names Kevin Vance Head Coach
- Fox 5 San Diego: New Head Baseball Coach at SDSU Announced
- Sports Illustrated: Report on SDSU Hiring Kevin Vance as New Coach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kevin Vance
