Kevin Vance Appointed Head Coach of SDSU Baseball Program

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

The baseball field at San Diego State University, where the new era of leadership begins.

News Summary

Kevin Vance has been named the head coach of the San Diego State baseball program, following a thorough search process that involved alumni input. A San Diego native, Vance comes with significant coaching experience and a successful track record, notably improving pitching performance at the University of Arizona. His goal is to revitalize SDSU baseball and foster player development while building a strong local recruiting foundation.

San Diego, CA – Kevin Vance has been named the new head coach of the San Diego State baseball program, as announced by SDSU Director of Athletics John David Wicker. Vance’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search that included input from notable alumni, including former major league pitchers Bud Black and Stephen Strasburg, as well as Tony Gwynn Jr.

With a rich baseball background and a strong connection to the San Diego area, Vance steps into the role with significant achievements from his previous coaching positions. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach at the University of Arizona, where he played a key role in the Wildcats reaching the NCAA Men’s College World Series in 2025. Under Vance’s guidance, Arizona saw substantial improvements in their pitching performance, reducing their earned run average (ERA) from 5.97 in 2023 to 4.46 in the 2024 season. Furthermore, three of the pitching staff’s weekend starters were recognized on the all-Pac-12 team during his tenure.

Vance’s coaching resume also includes notable positions at Boston College, where his contributions led to a program-record 37 victories in 2023 and an NCAA regional appearance. His experience also encompasses five seasons at the University of Rhode Island as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, where he developed strategies to enhance player performance and improve overall program success.

A San Diego native and former standout high school player at Torrey Pines High School, Vance leads the SDSU baseball program with both a personal and professional connection to the region. He had a distinguished collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, where he earned All-American honors and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2011. Vance also played five seasons in professional baseball, reaching as high as Triple-A.

Vance’s primary focus is to not only help the SDSU baseball team win games but to foster the growth of players as individuals and leaders. He reflects on his own experiences at SDSU’s Tony Gwynn Stadium, expressing nostalgia and a deep commitment to building a successful and competitive program.

In light of recent challenges faced by the SDSU baseball program, characterized by disappointing seasons, Vance aims to restore the team’s prominence in collegiate baseball. He is dedicated to maintaining a stable roster as the NCAA transfer portal opens, with plans to retain current players while also building a strong local recruiting foundation. His strategy includes attracting top talent from the San Diego area, capitalizing on his own local roots and reputation.

Vance’s vision for the program includes elevating SDSU’s competitive performance to secure championships and to host NCAA regional tournaments at their home stadium. His extensive background in player development and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level positions him as a promising leader for the San Diego State baseball program.

As he embarks on this new journey, Kevin Vance is set to bring a wealth of experience, a commitment to player development, and a strong local focus to the SDSU baseball program, hoping to usher in a new era of success for the team.