DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson University has named Shane Gierke the 24th head coach in the history of the Hatters baseball program, Director of Athletics Ricky Ray announced.
Gierke returns to DeLand after spending the 2026 season as an assistant coach at UCF. He previously served four seasons on the Stetson staff from 2021-25, working as recruiting coordinator before being elevated to associate head coach.
During Gierke's first tenure in DeLand, the Hatters enjoyed one of the most successful stretches in recent program history. Stetson captured back-to-back ASUN Conference tournament championships in 2024 and 2025 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both seasons.
"I am thrilled Shane has accepted the offer to be the next head baseball coach at Stetson University," said Ray. "In his previous time at Stetson as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator, he led us to back-to-back NCAA Regionals. But more importantly, he builds genuine and long-lasting relationships with his student-athletes and their families. Shane has earned this opportunity and I am happy for him, Veronica, Jackson, and Shelby."
Gierke helped recruit and develop eight Major League Baseball Draft selections, four All-Americans, one ASUN Pitcher of the Year, one ASUN Freshman of the Year and 12 All-Conference performers during his four seasons with the Hatters. He also served as the program's hitting coach and managed its recruiting and scholarship budget.
"I'm extremely grateful and humbled for this opportunity to lead Stetson baseball and this storied program," Gierke said. "My family and I would like to thank President Roellke and Athletic Director Ricky Ray for the trust and confidence to lead this program into the future. My staff and I will work tirelessly to honor the tradition that was laid before us. Establishing a player-first program that is accountable and committed to the program will be our mission daily. Go Hatters!"
Gierke brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience back to Stetson. Throughout his career, he has recruited and coached 21 All-Americans, 30 All-Region selections, 85 All-Conference players and 32 players who advanced to professional baseball.
Prior to his first stint at Stetson, Gierke spent six seasons at Troy from 2015-21 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. During his time with the Trojans, he helped develop seven MLB Draft picks, nine All-Americans, 19 All-Conference selections, one conference Player of the Year, one conference Pitcher of the Year and three conference Freshmen of the Year. Troy also advanced to the championship game of the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Tournament and earned an NCAA Regional berth that season.
Gierke began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater, the University of West Florida, where he served on staff from 2004-15. He helped guide the Argonauts to the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship, five NCAA Regional appearances, the 2007 Gulf South Conference championship and Gulf South Conference East Division titles in 2010 and 2011.
West Florida established a program record with 52 victories during its national championship season in 2011. During Gierke's tenure, the Argonauts produced 13 MLB Draft picks, eight All-Americans, 22 All-Region selections and 54 All-Conference performers.
Most recently, Gierke spent the 2026 season at UCF, where he helped coach five All-Big 12 selections and contributed to the Knights' NCAA Tournament appearance.
A 2004 graduate of West Florida, Gierke earned a Bachelor of Science in health, leisure and exercise science after playing for the Argonauts from 2001-03.
Gierke now returns to a program he helped lead to consecutive championships and NCAA postseason appearances, becoming the 24th head coach in Stetson baseball history.
What They're Saying
"I couldn't be happier for Shane and his family. In the short time we've worked together at UCF, he's made a tremendous impact through his work ethic, his knowledge of the game and, most importantly, the type of person he is. Shane is well respected throughout the Central Florida baseball community, and I know he'll continue to have a positive impact not only at Stetson, but on the sport in this region. Stetson is a perfect fit for Shane, Ronnie, Jackson and Shelby, and I have no doubt they'll accomplish great things there. We appreciate everything he has done for our program, and we're excited to watch him succeed as a head coach." - Rich Wallace, UCF Baseball Head Coach
"Our family is so excited for Shane being named Head Baseball Coach at Stetson University. Shane and his two brothers provided our family with so many great memories. Shane's mom passed away two years ago. She was the most important part of our family, and would have loved to have been a part of this great accomplishment. She would be so proud of him. My coaching career started working with American Legion Baseball and the legendary Tom Sperling at the old Conrad Park, it's only fitting that Shane starts his head coaching career where I started mine. Shane will continue to carry on the Gierke Coaching Legacy for years to come in Central Florida. He is ready for the challenge of being the next coach of Hatter baseball." - Chip Gierke, Legendary Central Florida Football And Baseball Coach {Father of Shane)
"Big fan of this hire! Words can't describe how much Shane Gierke means to me. This guy changed my life and the outlook of my career by believing in me and the player I'd become. The Hatters are getting a winner; one who holds his players accountable, builds a locker room centered around family, holding each other accountable, and the relentless strive everyday towards greatness. He cares about his players deeply, and it's greater than just a coach. He's a father figure, and molds young players into men. He's one that you can call for anything, and most importantly one that has your back through everything. I couldn't be happier as an alumni of the program, and I'm excited to see what's in store for the future. Go Hats!" - Isaiah Barkett, Former Hatter/San Francisco Giants
"Stetson University and the Department of Athletics just hit a home run by hiring Shane Gierke to lead their baseball program into the future. Shane's recruiting experience and player development background will serve him and the baseball program well." - Bobby Pierce, Former Head Coach Troy University
"Shane Gierke is a relentless worker and tremendous coach. His ability to recruit and develop players has always stood out to me. I'm excited to watch him lead as a head coach." - Jon Sumrall, Head Football Coach, University of Florida
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
