Stetson University has tapped Shane Gierke as its 24th head coach for the Hatters baseball program, a move that signals the school’s confidence in the veteran’s ability to sustain a winning tradition.
A New Chapter for Stetson Baseball
During his earlier tenure at Stetson from 2021 to 2025, Gierke helped the team capture back‑to‑back ASUN Conference tournament titles in 2024 and 2025, guiding the Hatters to the NCAA Tournament and cementing his reputation as a recruiter who can turn talent into results.
Gierke’s coaching journey spans more than two decades, beginning with a championship‑winning stint at the University of West Florida where he led the Argonauts to the 2011 NCAA Division II title, and later at Troy University, where he mentored seven MLB Draft picks and nine All‑Americans.
After a productive year at the University of Central Florida in 2026, where he coached five All‑Big 12 selections and contributed to the Knights’ NCAA Tournament appearance, Gierke returns to DeLand with a refreshed perspective and a deep network of professional contacts.
His family ties to the area add a personal dimension; his wife Veronica, son Jackson and daughter Shelby are all part of the community that rallied around his appointment, while longtime colleague Rich Wallace is expected to assist in the transition.