West Virginia University’s baseball program is set to host its inaugural NCAA Super Regional, marking a watershed moment for the Mountaineers and the state’s sports landscape. Coach Steve Sabins, who has led the team since before the 2016 season, described the achievement as the culmination of years of steady progress and unwavering belief.
A Historic Moment for the Mountaineers
Under Sabins’ guidance, the team has advanced to Super Regionals in three consecutive seasons, a streak that reflects a culture of excellence built on player commitment, coaching continuity, and robust fan engagement. The program’s rise has been supported by an expanding staff, growing from just two assistants to a 20‑person coaching and managerial unit, and by a state‑of‑the‑art Baseball Biomechanics and Performance Center that opened earlier this year.
The facility, largely financed by alumnus Ken Kendrick, has already drawn notable visitors such as Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Paul Skenes, who toured the premises last August. Sabins emphasized that the center not only enhances player development but also signals a long‑term investment in the program’s infrastructure.
The upcoming best‑of‑three series against Cal Poly will begin Friday afternoon at Kendrick Family Ballpark, with the winner earning a berth in the College World Series in Omaha. Sabins noted that the Mountaineers’ deep‑rooted belief and the collective commitment of players, coaches, and supporters have been pivotal in reaching this stage.
Beyond the field, the program’s success is underscored by generous contributions, including more than 60 gifts of $50,000 or more in the past two years. These donations, alongside backing from the athletic department and university leadership, have helped transform the team’s trajectory.