Nick Garritano, a UNLV Hall of Famer and former standout place‑kicker, has been appointed the eighth head coach of the university’s baseball program, marking a full‑circle moment for the alumnus who once chased victories on the football field and the diamond.
A Homecoming Filled with Promise
Garritano’s playing career at UNLV from 1992 to 1994 saw him set multiple kicking records while also earning a scholarship that allowed him to compete in both football and baseball; however, performance pressures led him to focus on football, a decision that later shaped his coaching philosophy.
Transitioning to the sidelines, Garritano achieved remarkable success at Green Valley High School, guiding the team to two state titles and launching several players into Major League Baseball drafts; he later replicated that formula at the College of Southern Nevada, where he captured numerous conference championships and earned multiple Coach of the Year accolades.
The coach’s personal connection to UNLV deepened when his son, Nicky Garritano, transferred from CSN to play for the Rebels, underscoring the family’s enduring ties to the program and adding an emotional layer to his return.
UNLV athletics director Erick Harper praised Garritano’s track record, stating that his proven leadership and ability to develop talent make him the ideal figure to steer the program toward sustained excellence in Division I competition.
Garritano’s vision blends a respect for the school’s heritage with an aggressive push to recruit top talent, upgrade facilities, and cultivate a culture that can compete nationally, aiming to restore the Rebels to the upper echelon of college baseball.