Coastal Carolina University’s baseball program has announced the addition of Matt Reida to its coaching roster, appointing him as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
A strategic addition to the Chanticleers' staff
Reida arrives after a distinguished tenure that includes stints at Houston, Alabama, Pittsburgh, Xavier and Indiana, where he honed his abilities in player development and talent acquisition.
During his three‑year run at Houston, he helped shape an offense that set a program record for home runs in 2024, while also contributing to a team that posted a .979 fielding percentage under his guidance.
At Alabama, his two seasons coincided with a 74‑win campaign that propelled the Crimson Tide to the 2023 NCAA Super Regional, underscoring his capacity to elevate competitive programs.
His earlier work at Xavier in 2020 saw the Musketeers establish a school‑record 68 home runs, and his time at Indiana was marked by a school‑record .975 fielding percentage, highlighting his defensive acumen.
Beyond the numbers, Reida’s playing background as a shortstop at Kentucky, where he started 199 games and appeared in 214 contests from 2011 to 2014, provides him with a player‑first perspective that resonates with today’s athletes.
After completing his collegiate career, he signed a professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rays organization in 2014, bringing a professional mindset to his coaching philosophy.
Chris Lemonis, the head coach of Coastal Carolina, expressed enthusiasm about the hire, noting that Reida’s blend of recruiting savvy and developmental expertise aligns perfectly with the program’s championship aspirations.
The Chanticleers hope that Reida’s experience will translate into continued success on the field, as the team looks to build on its recent achievements and contend for future titles.