Stetson University announced this week that Shane Gierke, a Central Florida native and former assistant coach, will assume the role of head baseball coach, replacing Steve Trimper after a national search that concluded in early August.
A legacy of excellence
The Hatters have a storied history, having appeared in the NCAA Tournament nineteen times and producing several Major League Baseball players. Under longtime mentors such as Pete Dunn and Steve Trimper, the program has become a benchmark for collegiate baseball in the region.
Gierke brings more than twenty years of collegiate coaching experience to the position. He served as an assistant at Stetson from 2021 through 2025, contributing to back‑to‑back winning seasons and helping to refine the team’s pitching staff.
Emotional ties to his alma mater
During the official introduction on August 6, Gierke spoke movingly about his personal connection to the university, describing the campus as “home” and emphasizing the deep-rooted relationships he has cultivated over the years.
Family members, longtime supporters, and fellow coaches gathered on the DeLand campus to celebrate the transition, underscoring the communal significance of the appointment.
Looking ahead
Athletic director Jeff Darnall expressed confidence that Gierke’s blend of institutional knowledge and fresh perspective will sustain the program’s competitive edge. The university looks forward to building on its tradition of excellence while guiding the next generation of Hatters toward future successes.