Nick Garritano, the newly appointed head coach of UNLV baseball, describes the position as the final chapter of his career, a milestone he never imagined when he first stepped onto a diamond.
A New Era for Rebel Baseball
After 16 seasons building a top junior‑college program at the Community College of Southern Nevada, Garritano brings a proven track record of development and discipline, a foundation reinforced by his own experience as a student‑athlete at UNLV where he played football.
He did not actively chase the UNLV vacancy while previous coaches remained, but accepted the role after former coach Stan Stolte retired and Athletic Director Erick Harper reached out, signaling a new direction for the program.
Garritano’s ambition is to turn UNLV into the premier destination for Southern Nevada’s Division I and professional prospects, arguing that keeping elite talent at home allows players to compete at a high level while staying close to family and community.
He notes that about 20 of the current 27 players on the roster hail from Las Vegas, and believes that staying local helps them maintain family ties while reaching their athletic potential.
Success, for him, is measured not only by trophies but also by the relationships he cultivates, taking pride in seeing former players mature into husbands, fathers and professionals who credit the program for their growth.
As the Rebels open their first season under his leadership, Garritano is already shaping a culture rooted in accountability, family values and the retention of the region’s best baseball talent.