A sudden departure at Columbia State
Desi Ammons, the head coach of Columbia State’s baseball program for the past three seasons, announced his resignation this week, ending a tenure that reshaped the Chargers’ identity.
Ammons departs with a 95-61 record and the 2024 TCCAA Coach of the Year honor, a testament to his ability to turn a modest squad into one of the conference’s most respected teams.
A career built on Charger roots
The coach spent seven years as a full-time member of the Charger staff before stepping into the top role, a climb that makes him the fifth person to hold the position in school history.
Before his leadership, Ammons had already left his mark as a captain of Columbia State’s 2014 National Junior College World Series championship team, a foundation that gave him the credibility to guide the program forward.
Looking ahead
Rumors suggest Ammons is in talks with a local NCAA Division I program, with Belmont University emerging as a potential landing spot. The move would mark his first foray into Division I coaching after years of building success at the junior college level.
Columbia State athletics director Katie Willingham praised Ammons for his contributions, highlighting his impact on player development and the program’s steady rise.
“Desi has been instrumental in elevating our baseball culture,” Willingham said. “His dedication and strategic vision have left an indelible mark, and we wish him success in the next chapter.”
The Chargers will now begin the search for a new leader, hoping to maintain the momentum Ammons helped create while the program eyes future championships.