DELAND, Fla - Stetson University Athletics has extended head baseball coach Steve Trimper's employment agreement, as announced by Director of Athletics, Jeff Altier. Trimper, who was introduced as the 23rd head baseball coach in the program's storied history back in 2016, has proven himself as an exceptional leader, elevating the program to new heights.

The agreement includes a provision for automatic extensions when the teams win an ASUN championship and/or receive an "at large" bid to the NCAA tournament.

Under Coach Trimper's guidance, the Stetson University baseball program has thrived. His unwavering dedication and strategic vision have resulted in extraordinary achievements both on and off the field. The extension of Trimper's contract through the 2028 season reflects the university's confidence in his ability to continue fostering a winning culture.

"I am extremely excited that President Roellke and Athletic Director, Jeff Altier, have chosen to extend my tenure at Stetson University," said Trimper. "Being part of Hatter Nation and this program is an incredible honor, and I am fully committed to contributing to the bright future of Stetson Baseball and ensuring its ongoing success."

Coach Trimper's impact extends beyond wins and losses. One of the notable accomplishments during his tenure is the successful renovation of Melching Field at Conrad Park. Over the past two years, Trimper played a pivotal role in raising millions of dollars to support the $8 million renovation project, a collaborative effort with the City of DeLand. Stetson University provided $4 million to the City of DeLand and raised an additional $1 million to assist in the endowment of the University baseball program.

Last season, the baseball team demonstrated their talent and resilience, achieving an impressive 35-23 overall record. They excelled in conference play with a remarkable 20-10 record, and at home, they boasted a stellar 25-10 record. Standout players Christian Pregent, catcher and team captain, and pitcher Austin Amaral garnered attention for their outstanding collegiate careers. Pregent was selected by the New York Mets as the 306th overall pick in the 10th round of the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft, while Amaral joined the Washington Nationals as the 465th overall pick in the 16th round.

Furthermore, the 2018 season stands out as a testament to Coach Trimper's leadership and the team's exceptional performance. The Hatters, under his guidance, achieved unparalleled success, rewriting the Stetson Baseball record books. With an overall record of 48-13, the team tied the program's record for most wins in a single season. Their dominance extended to the ASUN Conference, where they secured a first-place finish with a remarkable 15-3 record, earning the program's third regular-season title in the non-divisional era.

The team's outstanding performance continued in the ASUN Tournament, where they emerged as champions, claiming the program's ninth title. The Hatters carried their winning momentum to the NCAA DeLand Regional, where they captured their first NCAA Regional title with a flawless 3-0 record. The team's achievements were recognized nationally, with rankings in various prestigious polls including Baseball America (12), Collegiate Baseball (10), USA Today Coaches Poll (13), D1Baseball.com (10), National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (13), and NCAA RPI (7).

"I am blessed to have an exceptional coaching and support staff alongside a remarkable group of players," Trimper acknowledged. ""Our success stems from the collective efforts of everyone involved in our program. We prioritize the development of our student-athletes, on and off the field. While championships are the pursuit, our goal is to create a transformative experience for our athletes throughout their Hatter career."

Trimper extended his gratitude to the former players, alumni, donors, and ticket holders, vowing to uphold the program's winning tradition. "We will work tirelessly each day to make you proud to support the Hats and carry on the storied winning tradition that has been a part of this program for many years," he affirmed.

Jeff Altier, Director of Athletics at Stetson University, expressed his enthusiasm for the contract extension. "Steve Trimper is an exceptional leader, baseball coach, community builder, and fundraiser," Altier stated. "I am thrilled that Stetson has secured him as our head coach for many years to come. His dedication to the program's success is invaluable."

With the extension of Trimper's employment agreement, Stetson eagerly awaits another exciting chapter of continued growth, success, and unwavering dedication to baseball excellence under his guidance. The program remains committed to fostering a culture of achievement, both on and off the field, as Trimper leads the team towards a future filled with promise.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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