Kevin Vance Appointed Head Coach of SDSU Baseball Program

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News Summary

San Diego native Kevin Vance has been named the head coach of the San Diego State Aztecs baseball program. With a strong background, including a successful stint at Arizona, Vance is focused on developing players both on and off the field. He aims to establish a strong team culture and prepare students for life beyond baseball, while also addressing team challenges. The hiring process involved feedback from notable SDSU alumni, ensuring alignment with community values. Vance sees significant potential in SDSU baseball and plans to work towards hosting NCAA regionals.

San Diego, CA – Kevin Vance has been appointed as the head coach of the San Diego State Aztecs baseball program, as announced by the university on Tuesday afternoon. Vance, a San Diego native, is returning to his roots to lead the team and aims to quickly achieve success while prioritizing the development of his players both on and off the field.

Before this new role, Vance served as the pitching coach at the University of Arizona for the past two seasons. His coaching tenure at Arizona was marked by significant accomplishments, most notably guiding the team to the College World Series in 2025 where they competed against Coastal Carolina and Louisville. Under his leadership, Arizona’s pitching staff improved dramatically, reducing their earned run average from 5.97 in 2023 to 4.46 in 2024, and securing an impressive 80-44 overall record along with three conference titles.

As the new head coach, Vance expressed deep pride in taking this position. He conveyed enthusiasm about returning to his hometown to contribute to the San Diego and SDSU community. He is keen on establishing a strong team culture that emphasizes character development and leadership, aiming to prepare his players not just for baseball, but for life beyond the diamond.

In his efforts to stabilize the SDSU baseball roster, Vance is focusing on retaining existing players and addressing the challenges posed by departures to the transfer portal. He is committed to building a solid foundation with local talent and integrating transfers strategically to enhance the team’s performance.

The hiring process for Vance included valuable input from several prominent SDSU baseball alumni, such as Stephen Strasburg, Bud Black, and Tony Gwynn Jr. This feedback helped ensure that Vance is well-aligned with the expectations and aspirations of the Aztecs baseball community. Athletic director John David Wicker emphasized Vance’s familiarity with SDSU and his readiness to lead the program back to the NCAA tournament.

Vance’s baseball journey began in San Diego, where he attended Torrey Pines High School, earning multiple accolades. He continued his education and playing career at the University of Connecticut, where he was honored as a second-team NCBWA All-American in 2011. Following a successful collegiate career, he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 19th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and spent five seasons in the minor leagues, achieving a 3.81 earned run average with 365 strikeouts across 177 games.

After concluding his playing career, Vance transitioned into coaching. He started at the University of Rhode Island, followed by Boston College, and ultimately found his way to Arizona. His coaching accomplishments at Arizona further established his reputation in collegiate baseball, culminating in his recent hiring at SDSU.

Vance sees SDSU baseball as a “sleeping giant” with untapped potential. He has set ambitious goals for the program, including aspirations to host NCAA regionals at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Team workouts for the fall are anticipated to commence in early September, with the spring season set to begin in February.

By prioritizing both athletic performance and personal growth, Vance aims to build a strong and enduring program, making a significant impact on his players and the broader SDSU community. His vision combines a commitment to competitive excellence with a focus on developing not just players, but well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges ahead.