A Strategic Addition for the Deacons
Wake Forest University’s baseball program is poised for a turnaround as the school welcomes Tyler Dawson to its coaching staff for the 2026 season. The announcement, made public on Tuesday, underscores the Deacons’ commitment to revitalizing a roster that has seen both coaching and player turnover in recent years.
Dawson arrives after a stint as an assistant at Air Force, where he helped the Falcons secure a second‑place finish in the Mountain West Conference and post a .307 team batting average with an OPS of .897. His offensive schemes have been credited with unlocking hidden potential in hitters, a skill set that attracted the attention of Wake Forest’s head coach Tom Walter.
Before Air Force, Dawson served as head coach at Cleveland Community College, guiding the team to a 31‑23 record over the 2022‑23 seasons. He also honed his playing fundamentals at Bridgewater College, where he studied exercise science while competing in both baseball and football.
At Wake Forest, Dawson will focus on developing freshmen infielders Cole Green and Brady Marshall, while also mentoring transfers Ryan Costello, Dylan Passo, and Caden Davidson. His reputation for nurturing talent was evident when he helped shape Jay Thomason and Sam Kulasingam into 2024 MLB Draft selections.
Coach Tom Walter expressed confidence that Dawson’s blend of analytical insight and hands‑on mentorship will translate into a more potent offensive lineup. ‘Tyler’s track record of fostering a winning mentality aligns perfectly with our vision for the program,’ Walter said in a statement.
The move comes amid a period of uncertainty for the Deacons, who have experienced significant roster changes and a coaching shuffle. By integrating Dawson’s expertise, the team hopes to translate its developmental successes into postseason contention.