Kevin Vance Named Head Coach of SDSU Baseball Team

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Kevin Vance inspiring his team during a practice session at SDSU.

News Summary

San Diego State University has appointed Kevin Vance as the new head coach of its baseball team. Vance, a local native, comes with extensive coaching experience, including stints at the University of Arizona and Boston College. His predecessor recorded disappointing seasons, and Vance aims to revitalize the program after a significant decline in performance. With aspirations to restore competitiveness and focus on player development, Vance’s leadership marks a new chapter for SDSU baseball as they seek to once again contend for NCAA honors.

San Diego – Kevin Vance has been named the new head coach of the San Diego State University (SDSU) baseball team, a decision announced by the university’s Director of Athletics, John David Wicker. Vance, a native of San Diego, takes over a program that is looking to revitalize its performance after struggling in recent years.

Vance’s coaching tenure includes two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Arizona, where he played a crucial role in leading the Wildcats to the prestigious 2025 NCAA Men’s College World Series. His experience also extends to Boston College, where his contributions helped set the record for the most wins in a single season. Prior to that, Vance was at the University of Rhode Island for five years, overseeing the pitching staff and acting as the recruiting coordinator. His history of successfully developing pitchers is noted as one of his key strengths, having led several players to be drafted into Major League Baseball.

He succeeds Shaun Cole, who parted ways with the program after two seasons marked by disappointing records of 20-39 and 17-37. Vance is the seventh head coach in the 90 years of the SDSU baseball program’s history, signaling a new era aimed at reversing the team’s fortunes. The Aztecs have not made the NCAA Regionals in six years, a notable decline from their multiple qualifications during the period from 2013 to 2018.

Vance’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for SDSU baseball, as the program seeks to restore its competitive edge. His immediate plans include retaining current players who have entered the NCAA transfer portal, in addition to building a robust roster through internal development and recruiting efforts. Vance has expressed a goal to compete for championships annually and aims to host NCAA regionals at Tony Gwynn Stadium, which is seen as a city landmark in baseball history.

A former All-American player at the University of Connecticut, Vance was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2011 and spent five seasons in the minor leagues. This background, along with his substantial coaching experience and knowledge of the SDSU program, were significant factors in his selection as head coach. Furthermore, his hiring has garnered support from notable SDSU baseball alumni, including major league players like Stephen Strasburg and Bud Black.

Vance is enthusiastic about returning to his hometown and is committed to establishing a culture of winning while also prioritizing the personal development of his players. He aims to foster leaders on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of creating well-rounded individuals during their time in the program. Acknowledging the robust legacy left by Aztec baseball icons such as Tony Gwynn, Vance is determined to honor that history while aiming for new heights in the coming seasons.

As SDSU baseball embarks on this new chapter under Kevin Vance’s leadership, the program hopes to regain its standing in collegiate baseball and once again become a contender in the NCAA landscape.