Princeton University announced this week that Ryan Forrest will take the helm of its baseball program as the Robert H.B. Baldwin ‘42 Head Coach, ushering in a new era for the Tigers.
Forrest arrives after a peripatetic coaching journey that includes stints as an assistant at Boston College, the Air Force Academy, Millersville University and the University of Maine, where he honed a reputation for turning raw talent into polished performers.
During his tenure at Boston College, the team posted a steady climb, culminating in a 37‑win season and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2026, a testament to his ability to elevate program performance year after year.
At the Air Force Academy, his pitching staff set a program record with 455 strikeouts in 2022, a milestone that underscored his focus on developing elite arms.
His work with position players has also borne fruit; seven of his charges have progressed to professional contracts, and he famously mentored Paul Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft and the 2025 Cy Young Award winner.
A Developmental Philosophy
Beyond wins and losses, his coaching philosophy centers on shaping student‑athletes into better versions of themselves, emphasizing character, academic excellence and community engagement — principles that align tightly with Princeton’s own mission.
As he steps onto the Princeton campus, Forrest will look to blend his proven developmental methods with the university’s Ivy League traditions, aiming to build a program that competes fiercely while reflecting the institution’s broader ideals.