Harry Nguyen is poised to assume the role of head baseball coach at New Palestine High School, pending board approval, after the retirement of longtime mentor Shawn Lyons, who guided the Eagles for 15 seasons. Nguyen, a veteran coach with a storied career spanning multiple Indiana programs, will become the fourth individual to lead the school’s baseball effort since 1968.
Over six years as an assistant at New Palestine, Nguyen helped the team capture four sectional titles and three regional championships, a testament to his ability to develop talent and sustain a winning culture. His experience also includes head coaching stints at Lawrence Central, where he secured a state championship in 2007, and brief tenures at Arsenal Tech, Cathedral, and Franklin Central, during which he amassed 13 sectional, 10 regional, and five semi‑state victories.
A Philosophy Built on Preparation
Central to Nguyen’s approach is the mantra “Be Prepared. Be Coachable. Be a Great Teammate,” a creed he adopted from Indiana High School Baseball Hall of Famer Rich Andriole. He believes that meticulous preparation, openness to feedback, and collaborative spirit form the foundation of sustained success on the diamond.
A Legacy of Mentorship
Beyond high school, Nguyen has shaped the careers of three professional players, including two first‑round draft picks — Tommy Hunter and Ashe Russell — and has mentored more than 80 collegiate athletes across all divisions. His guidance extends to the travel circuit, where he has coached his own son’s New Palestine Baseball Club during the summer months, blending family tradition with competitive play.
Returning to Roots
A lifelong resident of Franklin Township, Indianapolis, Nguyen returns to the community where his son once played for the Eagles. He sees the position as an opportunity to honor the program’s rich tradition while instilling the same values that have defined his own coaching journey.
Looking Ahead
With board approval expected, Nguyen will inherit a program steeped in excellence and will look to blend his championship pedigree with the school’s enduring emphasis on teamwork. The upcoming season promises to be a continuation of the legacy he helped build, as he aims to keep the Eagles soaring higher than ever before.