Stetson University announced this week that Shane Gierke will assume the role of head baseball coach, succeeding Steve Trimper who stepped down after ten years at the helm. The announcement comes as the program seeks to rebound from a challenging 2026 season that ended with a 23‑32 record.
A coach with deep roots
Gierke’s connection to the university stretches back to his earlier tenure as associate head coach from 2021 through 2025, a period during which he helped the team capture back‑to‑back Atlantic Sun Conference titles in 2024 and 2025. His recent stint at UCF, where he guided the squad to a 32‑23 record and an NCAA Tournament berth, further cemented his reputation as a builder of competitive programs.
In a press conference, Gierke outlined his vision for the program, emphasizing daily improvement and a return to the winning ways that once defined Stetson baseball. "I’m a winner, and we will win," he declared, underscoring his confidence in the roster and coaching staff he is assembling.
Current players have voiced their support, with one teammate remarking, "Dude, you know who the right guy is. Just go get him." The sentiment reflects a collective hope that Gierke’s leadership will translate into tangible success on the field.
Beyond the diamond, Gierke highlighted the importance of honoring the program’s storied tradition while forging a new path forward. He noted that his upbringing in Apopka, Florida, has instilled a personal commitment to making Stetson, its alumni, and the city of DeLand proud.
Looking ahead
The coming months will see Gierke finalize a coaching staff, reconnect with athletes who transferred during the offseason, and begin shaping a roster capable of competing at the highest level of the Atlantic Sun Conference. His dual focus on performance and community engagement sets the stage for what many anticipate will be a transformative era for Stetson baseball.