DeLAND, Fla. – Stetson baseball head coach Shane Gierke announced that assistant coach Cameron Coons will remain with the Hatters as a member of his inaugural coaching staff.

Coons, who joined Stetson in August 2024, has worked primarily with the Hatters' hitters and position players during his first two seasons in DeLand. His return provides continuity for a program he has helped guide to an ASUN Conference championship, an NCAA Regional appearance and the development of five All-ASUN selections.

"My family and I are pumped to have Cameron and his wife, Taylor, back in DeLand," said Gierke. "He is one of the hardest workers in college baseball, and our hitters will benefit every day from his knowledge, passion and work ethic."

Coons and Gierke previously worked together at Stetson during the 2025 season, when the Hatters produced one of the most successful campaigns in program history. Stetson captured the ASUN Tournament championship, established a program record with a 24-6 conference mark, recorded its second consecutive 40-win season and advanced to the NCAA Tallahassee Regional.

The Hatters opened regional play with an 11-2 victory over NC State and scored 28 runs across three games in Tallahassee.

"There is a tremendous responsibility that comes with representing a program with Stetson's tradition, and I'm proud and excited for the opportunity to help build on that foundation and move the program forward," said Coons. "I'm grateful to work alongside great coaches who share a passion for our student-athletes and the future of Stetson Baseball.

"I want to thank Shane Gierke for this opportunity. His experience, energy and vision will make a tremendous impact on this program, and I'm excited to support that vision and learn from his leadership. The best days of Stetson Baseball are still ahead, and I'm honored to be a part of what's next."

Working primarily with Stetson's position players, Coons has coached five All-ASUN selections during his two seasons with the Hatters. Lorenzo Meola earned First Team All-ASUN honors in 2025, while Juan De La Cruz, Isaiah Barkett and Jordan Taylor were named to the Second Team. Yohann Dessureault added Third Team All-ASUN honors in 2026.

Coons has also helped develop a pair of MLB Draft selections during his time in DeLand. Meola was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 2025 MLB Draft, while Barkett was selected by the Giants in the 10th round.

Prior to Stetson, Coons spent the 2024 season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Queens, helping guide the Royals during their second season of NCAA Division I competition.

Coons previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Marshall University, where he oversaw player skill development through the implementation of biomechanical and analytical technologies. During his tenure with the Thundering Herd, Coons helped develop First Team All-Conference USA selection Luke Edwards and Johnny Bench Award Watch List catcher Ryan Leitch, who later signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Before Marshall, Coons served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Snead State Community College in Alabama. His recruiting efforts helped build a roster that went on to produce a school-record season, capture the program's first Alabama state championship and advance to its first NJCAA World Series.

The previous season, Snead State captured the ACCC North Division regular-season championship, with two players earning First Team All-Region honors. Coons was recognized as the 2021 Alabama Junior College Assistant Coach of the Year.

For the latest information on Stetson Baseball, visit GoHatters.com and follow @StetsonBaseball on social media.

DeLAND, Fla. — Before Junior Nyong'o '17 built a career on stage and screen, he wore No. 0 for Stetson men's soccer.

On Wednesday morning, the former Hatter goalkeeper returns to campus in a different role — as the keynote speaker for Stetson University's 2026 Convocation at the Insight Credit Union Arena at Edmunds Center. The annual ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and formally welcomes the university community into the 2026-27 academic year.

Nyong'o, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, was a member of the Stetson men's soccer program from 2014 through 2016 while pursuing his degree in Theatre Arts. He joined the Hatters during the 2014 season and appeared in three matches, making one start in goal. In that start at La Salle, Nyong'o recorded five saves. He later served as Stetson's primary backup goalkeeper during his junior and senior seasons.

His time in DeLand ultimately helped provide the foundation for a professional career far removed from the goalkeeper box.

Nyong'o has gone on to establish himself as an actor and musician, building a career in the entertainment industry after graduating from Stetson in 2017. Most recently, he appeared opposite his sister, Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, in an Off-Broadway production of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night in 2025.

The former Hatter credits his Stetson experience with helping shape that journey.

As a Theatre Arts major, Nyong'o developed under the mentorship of Stetson faculty while also competing alongside an international group of teammates within the men's soccer program. That combination of athletics, academics and exposure to different perspectives became an important part of his college experience.

"All the theater professors would just treat you as if you belonged in those spaces already," Nyong'o told Stetson Today while reflecting on his time in DeLand.

That sense of belonging helped push Nyong'o toward opportunities beyond campus.

His connection to the entertainment world first drew widespread attention while he was still a Stetson student in 2014, when he attended the Academy Awards with his sister and appeared in the now-famous star-studded Oscars selfie. Since then, Nyong'o has continued developing his own career as a performer while working across stage and screen.

Now based in Melbourne, Australia, Nyong'o returns to Stetson with a message particularly fitting for the beginning of a new academic year.

His Convocation address will center on the idea that life continually presents opportunities to begin again — a theme he described as the realization that "we're always first years in many ways."

For a former Hatter who once balanced soccer practices, matches and Theatre Arts classes in DeLand, Wednesday's return represents another chapter in a journey that began on the Stetson campus.

Nyong'o will be joined during Convocation by Randall Croom, PhD, associate professor of Management and recipient of the 2026 William Hugh McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching. All Stetson students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend, with a community lunch to follow in the Lynn Dining Commons.

One day after Nyong'o returns to campus, the current Stetson men's soccer team begins its 2026 campaign on the road against No. 15 SMU in Dallas.

The Hatters open the season Thursday night at Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. The match will air live on ACC Network Extra, with live statistics available through GoHatters.com.

For more on Nyong'o's journey from Stetson student-athlete to professional actor and musician, read the full feature from Stetson Today.

Fans can stay connected with Stetson Athletics by visiting GoHatters.com and following @StetsonHatters on social media.

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.

For the fourth year in a row, Stetson University was recently named a National College of Distinction for 2026-2027 and earned eight additional awards, including for outstanding Business programs and career development.

Colleges of Distinction evaluates schools each year based on key areas, such as engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.

Based on in-depth research and interviews with each institution, Stetson was selected again as one of the best colleges in America for the 2026-2027 academic year. The School of Business Administration and the Department of Education also were recognized for academic excellence.

To ensure graduates are career ready, Stetson actively bridges the gap between academic preparation and professional life by weaving career development into the student experience from day one, the college guide said. This includes everything from training on resume writing and interview preparation to connecting students with an alumni network for mentoring and internships.

In addition, the college guide placed Stetson among top institutions for support services for military-affiliated students and international students, as well as for its commitment to equity and inclusion.

"We are honored to receive nine national awards from Colleges of Distinction," said President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. "This recognition highlights Stetson's commitment to providing a relationship-rich education that combines outstanding teaching, close mentorship and real-world experiences to prepare our graduates for success."

At Stetson, students go beyond the course material and into internship, research, and global study opportunities. Students live their experience, hone their skills, and work side-by-side with professors committed to helping them get ready to accomplish big things and bigger dreams.

"Stetson University has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction.

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.

DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson men's soccer senior forward Zsombor Pall and junior midfielder Benjamin Donato were named to the 2026 Preseason All-ASUN Team, while the Hatters were selected second in the conference's preseason coaches poll, the Atlantic Sun Conference announced Tuesday afternoon.

Stetson received 59 points and one first-place vote, finishing behind preseason favorite North Florida, which earned 79 points and eight first-place votes. The second-place selection marks Stetson's highest preseason ranking under head coach Emmett Rutkowski and its highest placement in the conference's preseason poll since being picked first in 2010.

FGCU was picked third with 51 points, followed closely by Bellarmine with 50 and Lipscomb with 47. Jacksonville, Central Arkansas, Queens and West Georgia rounded out the nine-team poll.

Pall returns after a standout first season in DeLand in 2025. The Nyíregyháza, Hungary, native led Stetson with six goals and finished with 12 points across 16 appearances, earning Second Team All-ASUN honors at the conclusion of the season. He scored twice in Stetson's 4-1 regular-season finale against North Florida and added the equalizer in the Hatters' 2-1 ASUN Championship quarterfinal victory over Central Arkansas.

Donato earns preseason recognition after establishing himself as one of Stetson's most dependable midfielders over his first two seasons.

The Fort Myers, Florida, native started 14 of his 15 appearances in 2025 and logged 1,169 minutes. Donato enters his junior campaign with 27 career appearances, 23 starts and 2,033 minutes played. He was also named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team in 2024.

The duo gives Stetson two representatives on the 12-player Preseason All-ASUN Team. A tie in voting resulted in the expanded preseason squad.

North Florida collected all three preseason major awards. Anton Khelil was named Preseason Player of the Year, Paul Schacherer earned Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honors and Luciano Natoli was the unanimous Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year.

Stetson enters 2026 after reaching the ASUN Championship semifinals last fall. The Hatters return an experienced group while welcoming 13 newcomers to the 28-player roster.

The 2026 campaign begins Thursday night in Dallas when Stetson visits No. 15 SMU, the defending ACC champion. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.

2026 Preseason All-ASUN Team

F — Johan Nissen-Lie, Bellarmine
F — Zsombor Pall, Stetson 
F — Geraldo Neto, North Florida 
F — Maxim Sheenkov, Central Arkansas 
F — Kaiss Mansouri, North Florida 
MF — Anton Khelil, North Florida 
MF — Tyler Prebenda, North Florida 
MF — Benjamin Donato, Stetson 
D — Paul Schacherer, North Florida  
D — Rafa Rios, North Florida
D — Iver Skorve, Jacksonville
GK — Luciano Natoli, North Florida

A tie in voting resulted in a 12-person Preseason All-ASUN Team.
Luciano Natoli was a unanimous selection.

2026 ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll

First-place votes in parentheses.

Fans can stay up to date with Stetson Men's Soccer throughout the 2026 season by visiting GoHatters.com and following @StetsonMSoccer/@StetsonMSOC and @StetsonHatters on social media.

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.

DeLAND, Fla. — A new season begins under the lights in Dallas as Stetson men's soccer opens the 2026 campaign Thursday night against No. 15 SMU at Washburne Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET as the Hatters begin their seventh season under head coach Emmett Rutkowski against the defending ACC champions.

Stetson enters the new year with a mix of proven veterans, emerging young players and 13 newcomers on a 28-player roster. The Hatters return several key pieces from a team that reached the ASUN Championship semifinals last fall, but Thursday will also provide the first look at a reshaped group featuring new faces throughout the lineup.

Stetson finished 6-8-3 in 2025, but the Hatters played some of their best soccer late in the season.

Stetson went unbeaten over its final four matches, including a 4-1 victory over North Florida in the regular-season finale and a 2-1 win over Central Arkansas in the ASUN Championship quarterfinals. The run eventually ended in the conference semifinals after a scoreless draw against North Florida, with the Ospreys advancing on penalty kicks.

The Hatters now return several of the players who helped fuel that late-season push.

Stetson brings back an experienced group through the middle of the field and along the back line, led by senior captain Ross Appolon and junior midfielder Benjamin Donato.

Appolon will again anchor the Stetson defense after starting all 15 matches in which he appeared last season and logging a team-high 1,258 minutes among Hatter field players. The Montreal native enters his fourth season with the program after earning ASUN All-Freshman Team honors in 2023 and helping Stetson capture the 2024 ASUN Regular Season Championship.

Donato enters his junior season as one of Stetson's most experienced midfielders. The Fort Myers, Florida, native started 14 of his 15 appearances in 2025, logged 1,169 minutes and scored once. Through his first two seasons in DeLand, Donato has appeared in 27 matches with 23 starts while logging 2,033 minutes.

Another returning Hatter positioned for a larger role is redshirt junior forward William Mills.

Mills put together a strong summer and continued that momentum throughout preseason, putting himself in position to see increased minutes in the Stetson attack. The Port Saint Lucie, Florida, native enters his fourth year in the program and provides another experienced option as the Hatters reshape their front line.

Senior forward Zsombor Pall also returns after leading the Hatters with six goals during his first season in DeLand. Pall earned Second Team All-ASUN honors and finished 2025 with 12 points, including a pair of goals in Stetson's 4-1 regular-season finale against North Florida and the equalizer in the Hatters' ASUN Championship quarterfinal victory over Central Arkansas.

Sophomores Valentin Fontaine and Israel Daniels are also back after earning ASUN All-Freshman Team recognition in 2025. Fontaine became a fixture in the Stetson midfield during his debut season, starting all 15 matches in which he appeared, while Daniels gained valuable experience throughout his first collegiate campaign.

While the Hatters retain an experienced core, nearly half of the roster is new.

Thirteen of Stetson's 28 players are newcomers, with eight entering the program as freshmen. The roster features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders and seven forwards, with 15 players from the United States and 13 international student-athletes.

Two of Stetson's youngest players have emerged as names to watch heading into opening night.

Freshman goalkeeper Murillo Mello enters Thursday as the projected starter between the posts following a strong preseason. The Orlando native joins a completely rebuilt goalkeeper room following the departure of former ASUN Goalkeeper of the Year Nicolò Radaelli.

Mello will compete throughout the season alongside Daytona State transfer Matthew McCall and freshman Reef Brain, with all three goalkeepers entering their first seasons with the Hatters.

Freshman midfielder Matthew Perez has also impressed throughout preseason and is projected to earn a spot in the starting lineup Thursday night.

The Boca Raton, Florida, native is part of a young midfield group that also features Fontaine, Daniels and several experienced returners. His emergence provides another example of a freshman class that has quickly pushed for meaningful roles.

Another newcomer expected to provide an immediate impact is 6-foot-5 defender Jaxson Lee.

Lee arrives after spending the 2025 season at Robert Morris, where he appeared in all 17 matches, made 12 starts and logged 1,129 minutes. He scored one goal and led the Colonials with five assists, finishing tied for second in the Horizon League in assists.

The new faces will be tasked with replacing several longtime contributors who helped shape the program over the past few seasons.

Radaelli, forward Andres Mata and defender Giuseppe Croce are among the notable departures from last year's roster.

Mata finished his Stetson career as one of the program's most decorated recent players, while Croce remained a consistent presence along the back line. Radaelli leaves behind perhaps the most obvious question entering 2026 after spending multiple seasons as Stetson's primary goalkeeper and earning ASUN Goalkeeper of the Year and multiple all-conference honors during his career.

With Mello, McCall and Brain now taking over that room, the next chapter between the posts begins Thursday night.

Stetson's roster isn't the only thing that looks different entering 2026.

Eduardo Jimenez has been promoted to associate head coach after serving as an assistant with the Hatters since 2022. Jimenez has played a key role in Stetson's recent success, including the program's 2024 ASUN Regular Season Championship.

Andres Rodriguez has also joined the staff as an assistant coach after concluding his playing career with the Hatters, while Nic Fischer takes over as goalkeeper coach.

Fischer arrives after three seasons at McKendree University, where his goalkeepers earned all-conference recognition in each season. His tenure included helping Christian Herluf become the first GLVC Goalkeeper of the Year in McKendree history in 2024.

There will be little opportunity for Stetson to ease into the new campaign.

SMU enters the season ranked No. 15 nationally and was selected fourth in the 2026 ACC Men's Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll behind NC State, Stanford and Virginia.

The Mustangs are coming off an 11-5-4 season in which they went 3-2-3 in ACC play before producing a postseason run that ended with the program lifting the ACC Championship trophy.

SMU shut out Virginia 1-0 in the championship match before advancing to the NCAA Tournament, where its season ended with a 1-0 loss to eventual national champion Washington in the second round.

Junior forward Stephan Soghomonian leads the group of returning Mustangs after being selected to the 2026 ACC Men's Soccer Preseason Watch List.

Soghomonian led SMU with 13 goals and 27 points last season, producing that total on 46 shot attempts across 20 appearances and nine starts.

Thursday's matchup also features a familiar face on the opposing sideline. Former Stetson assistant coach Jaime Ibarra-Perez now serves as SMU's associate head coach and goalkeeping coach.

Thursday will mark the third meeting between Stetson and SMU and the first since 2019.

SMU holds a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series. The Mustangs earned a 3-1 victory in DeLand on Oct. 1, 2018 before defeating the Hatters 5-0 in Dallas on Oct. 22, 2019.

The season opener will therefore mark Stetson's first trip to Dallas in nearly seven years and its first meeting with the Mustangs since SMU joined the ACC.

Thursday night's match will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Live statistics will be available through the men's soccer schedule page at GoHatters.com.

Fans can stay up to date with Stetson Men's Soccer throughout the 2026 season by visiting GoHatters.com and following @StetsonMSoccer/@StetsonMSOC and @StetsonHatters on social media.

DeLAND, Fla. – Stetson baseball head coach Shane Gierke announced the addition of Ryan Kramer to his coaching staff as pitching coach, bringing an experienced pitching developer and one of college baseball's rising coaching minds to DeLand.

Kramer joins the Hatters following a highly successful 2026 season as the pitching coach at Jacksonville State, where he was named the Conference USA Assistant Coach of the Year. He brings more than a decade of collegiate coaching and player development experience to Stetson, with previous stops at Campbell University, Millersville University and his alma mater, Dickinson College.

"Ryan is one of the brightest minds in college baseball," said Gierke. "His ability to connect with players is elite, and his proven track record of developing pitchers will be a tremendous asset to our program for years to come."

Kramer made an immediate impact at Jacksonville State despite joining the Gamecocks in December 2025. Under his direction, Jacksonville State finished the 2026 season ranked ninth nationally and first in Conference USA with a 3.91 ERA. The Gamecocks also ranked third nationally with seven shutouts, sixth in hits allowed per nine innings at 7.38, 16th in strikeouts per nine innings at 10.4 and 20th with a 1.32 WHIP.

Jacksonville State finished 48-15, captured both the Conference USA regular-season and tournament championships, advanced to an NCAA Regional final and finished the season ranked No. 21 nationally.

Steven Cash led Conference USA with a 3.01 ERA under Kramer's direction, ranked 30th nationally in hits allowed per nine innings and tied for the conference lead with nine victories. Cash and Beau Bryans both ranked among the nation's top 130 in ERA, while Cash, Bryans and Eli Pillsbury each ranked among Conference USA's top seven in strikeouts per nine innings. Reliever Skyler Hutto ranked sixth nationally with 12 saves.

Prior to Jacksonville State, Kramer served as the Director of Player Development at Campbell, where he oversaw the athletic, academic and personal development of the Camels' student-athletes.

During his time in Buies Creek, Campbell ranked among the nation's top 50 with 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Jake Murray ranked 22nd nationally with 12.37 strikeouts per nine innings and among the top 120 nationally with 82 total strikeouts. The Camels also ranked among the nation's top 140 in WHIP, strikeout-to-walk ratio and team ERA.

Before joining Campbell, Kramer spent four seasons as the pitching coach at Millersville University, where he helped develop one of the top pitching staffs in NCAA Division II. During his tenure, the Marauders captured three PSAC East titles, the 2022 PSAC Championship and the 2023 NCAA Atlantic Region Championship.

Kramer developed three All-America starting pitchers at Millersville. In 2024, Alex Mykut ranked second nationally in NCAA Division II in ERA as the Marauders produced two All-PSAC East First Team starting pitchers for the first time since 2015. At least one Millersville pitcher recorded 10 or more wins in each of Kramer's seasons leading the pitching staff.

In 2023, Millersville set a program record for strikeouts while finishing second nationally in hits allowed per nine innings, fourth in WHIP and fifth in ERA. Starting pitcher Carson Kulina earned All-America honors that season. Kramer also helped develop 2021 PSAC East Pitcher of the Year Jeff Taylor and PSAC East Freshman of the Year Conor Cook, while Ben Wilchacky earned All-PSAC East and All-Atlantic Region honors after winning 10 games in 2022.

Kramer began his coaching career at his alma mater, Dickinson College, returning to the program for the 2016 season as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator before being elevated to the Red Devils' top assistant following his first season. During his five-year tenure, Kramer worked with the pitching staff and hitters while assisting with recruiting and serving as third base coach.

Dickinson's pitching staff quickly found success under Kramer. In 2017, the Red Devils ranked among the top three in the Centennial Conference in ERA, WHIP and runs allowed while earning national rankings in ERA and WHIP. Five players earned All-Centennial Conference honors that season, including pitchers Billy O'Neil and Reid Collins, while O'Neil also earned ABCA/Rawlings All-Region recognition.

Kramer went on to coach more All-Conference pitchers during his five seasons at Dickinson than the program had produced throughout the remainder of its history. The Red Devils again ranked among the top three in the Centennial Conference in ERA, WHIP, strikeouts and runs allowed in 2019 while ranking among the top 50 nationally in ERA and WHIP. His 2019 staff also featured the conference's Reliever of the Year.

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Kramer has an extensive background in modern pitching development, including biomechanical evaluation, ball-flight metrics, arm care, pitching technology and mental skills development. He has also worked as a lead remote trainer and on-floor trainer at Full-Reps Training Center.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Kramer was a four-year letter winner, two-time captain and two-time All-Centennial Conference honoree at Dickinson. He capped his career with a 5-2 record and 1.61 ERA across 61.2 innings as a senior, setting a program record by holding opponents to a .188 batting average. His 1.61 ERA was the second lowest in program history, while his 72 strikeouts ranked third and his 34 strikeouts looking established a program record. Kramer also ranked among the nation's top 50 in ERA, WHIP and strikeouts.

Following his time at Dickinson, Kramer continued his collegiate playing career at McGill University, where he helped lead the program to a Canadian national championship. Kramer tossed a three-hit, complete-game shutout in the national semifinals while striking out 13. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Pitcher and earned Canadian National Pitcher of the Year honors.

Kramer graduated from Dickinson College in 2014 with a degree in psychology. He has also been active throughout his career with TEAM Impact and the Hydrocephalus Association.

COACHING JOURNEY

``` ```

DICKINSON 2016-20 Pitching Coach Recruiting Coordinator

MILLERSVILLE 2021-24 Pitching Coach

CAMPBELL 2024-25 Director of Player Development

JAX STATE 2026 Pitching Coach

STETSON 2026-Present Pitching Coach

For the latest information on Stetson Baseball, visit GoHatters.com and follow @StetsonBaseball on social media.

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.

KENNESAW, Ga. — Stetson (0-2-0) fell 2-0 to Kennesaw State (1-1-0) on Sunday at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. The Hatters and Owls battled to a scoreless halftime draw before Kennesaw State found the back of the net twice in the second half.

The match opened with both teams battling for possession, as early fouls and defensive pressure kept either side from finding much offensive rhythm. Stetson's Natalia Dorn recorded the Hatters' first shot at 3:05, but her attempt went wide. Stetson continued to create opportunities as the half progressed, earning multiple corner kicks, including one in the 28th minute.

Kennesaw State created a late opportunity to break the deadlock, but Clare Boesel came up with a crucial save at 43:29 to deny Anabel Orozco and send the match into halftime tied 0-0.

The Hatters continued to search for the opening goal early in the second half, with Eva McCoy recording a shot in the 58th minute and Stetson earning another corner in the 62nd minute. Kennesaw State broke through in the 53rd minute, however, before adding a second goal in the 86th minute as the Hatters fell 2-0.

"A hard-fought game in extreme heat. Kennesaw defended well and were difficult to break down. We had moments where we generated opportunities but lacked the execution on the day to put them to the sword," Stetson head coach Jamie Souza said. "Credit to Kennesaw for being good in their game plan and taking what chances came their way. We went for it the last 20 minutes and conceded when we were committing players forward to get us back into the game. We look forward to a week of prep for Troy next weekend."

Stetson Top Performers

• Clare Boesel: Three saves, eight shots faced
• Natalia Dorn: One shot
• Gianna Burbridge: One shot
• Eva McCoy: Two shots

Looking Ahead

The Hatters hit the road again next Sunday, Aug. 23, traveling to Troy for a 1:00 p.m. matchup at the Troy Soccer Complex in Troy, Alabama.

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.

DeLAND, Fla. – Stetson baseball head coach Shane Gierke announced the addition of Brandon Brewer to his coaching staff, bringing the former Hatter assistant back to DeLand following five seasons at the University of Miami.

Brewer returns to Stetson after previously spending four seasons with the Hatters from 2017-21, working with the program's infielders and hitters. During his first stint in DeLand, Brewer was part of one of the most successful stretches in program history, highlighted by Stetson's run to the 2018 NCAA Super Regionals.

"Brandon is the right guy at the right time for Stetson Baseball," said Gierke. "He is a talented coach with a wealth of experience at a high level, and we're excited to welcome his wife, Taylor, and son, Bolt, back to DeLand."

Brewer spent the past five seasons at Miami after joining the Hurricanes' staff prior to the 2022 season. In Coral Gables, he served as an assistant coach working with Miami's infielders and hitters.

"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Stetson and be part of this program again," said Brewer. "Stetson is a special place to me and my family, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for Shane and the vision he has for this program. I'm grateful for the opportunity to come back to DeLand, work with our student-athletes and help continue the tradition of Stetson Baseball."

Before departing for Miami, Brewer helped oversee a strong defensive unit at Stetson. The Hatters posted the second-best fielding percentage in the ASUN in 2021 after leading the conference in fielding percentage during Brewer's first season with the program.

Brewer's return also reunites him with Gierke, continuing a relationship that dates back to their time at the University of West Florida. Gierke recruited and coached Brewer during his playing career with the Argonauts, including the program's run to the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship.

A native of Apopka, Florida, Brewer enjoyed a decorated playing career at West Florida. He batted .390 as a senior in 2011 while starting all 61 games at shortstop and helping lead the Argonauts to the national championship. Brewer scored 55 runs, drove in 36 and stole 20 bases during the championship season.

He earned All-Region recognition from the D2CCA, ABCA and NCBWA in 2011 and was named a Second Team All-American by the NCBWA and Daktronics. Brewer was also a two-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipient in 2009 and 2011.

Over four seasons at West Florida, Brewer hit .316 while starting 224 of 225 games. He totaled 179 runs, 122 RBI and 58 stolen bases and finished his career ranked among the program's top 10 in hits, runs, RBI, total bases, stolen bases, walks and assists.

Following his collegiate career, Brewer was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 36th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and spent two seasons in the Angels' minor league system.

COACHING JOURNEY

STETSON 2017-21 Assistant Coach/Infielders

MIAMI 2022-26 Director of Player Development/Infielders

STETSON 2026-Present Assistant Coach

For the latest information on Stetson Baseball, visit GoHatters.com and follow @StetsonBaseball on social media.

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.

• Clare Boesel: 9 saves
• Julianna Liguori: 1 shot on goal
• Payton Quinones: 1 shot on goal

"Getting used to the humidity," von Grote said with a grin when asked about the biggest adjustment since arriving in DeLand.

Beyond the heat, however, the transition has been a welcome one. The transfer quarterback speaks with genuine appreciation for his new surroundings — the community, the people and, most importantly, a football program that has quickly made him feel at home.

Von Grote's path to Stetson wasn't a straight line. Raised in Texas and shaped by the state's deep-rooted football culture, he spent nearly two years at North Texas learning the college game and developing alongside talented quarterbacks. When changes to the coaching staff opened the door for a new opportunity, von Grote entered the transfer portal looking for a program that believed in him.

It didn't take long for Stetson head coach Mike Jasper and the Hatters to make their interest known.

"As soon as my name was in and it was all said and done, Jasper reached out," von Grote said. "He showed me all this love. It was just like, 'Hey, we have a family here.'"

A visit to DeLand followed. Von Grote met his future teammates, watched film and got his first look at the Hatters' offense. By the time he left, he had found what he was searching for.

But football is only one part of von Grote's story.

The new Hatter grew up in a family with deep ties to aviation and military service. His grandfather's path into aviation began as a teenager in the Marine Corps before eventually taking him into the Air Force, while his father spent 22 years in the Air Force before continuing his aviation career with American Airlines. Von Grote has since followed their path into aviation, earning his own pilot's license while at North Texas and developing aspirations of one day becoming a fighter pilot himself.

For von Grote, the lessons passed down through his family have influenced far more than his future career plans. They have helped shape the quarterback, teammate and person he is today.

Long before Stetson, von Grote was a kid in Texas dreaming about the opportunity to play under the Friday night lights.

His football career began in fourth grade, although quarterback wasn't his first position. Von Grote started as a defensive end and lineman, where he quickly developed an appreciation for the physical side of the game.

"I just liked to hit other people," he recalled.

Eventually, his team needed someone to take snaps in a Wildcat formation. Von Grote got the call, initially using his size and athleticism as a runner before his coaches discovered he could throw, too.

He never looked back.

Growing up in Texas only fueled his love for the game. Von Grote remembers attending high school games with his friends while wearing their peewee jerseys, imagining the day they would be the ones on the field.

"We just were dying to be like those guys," von Grote said. "Once we got there, it was just ball from there."

Eventually, von Grote found himself on the other side of those Friday nights, playing in front of crowds that reached approximately 16,000 during his time at Byron Nelson High School.

By his senior year, he was the one leading the way. A team captain, von Grote completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,331 yards and 38 touchdowns while adding 405 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground. He was named District 4-6A MVP, earned Second Team All-Area honors from the Dallas Morning News and helped lead the Bobcats to a district championship.

Von Grote starred at Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club, Texas.

As a senior, von Grote threw for 3,331 yards and 38 touchdowns while earning District 4-6A MVP honors.

His success earned him an opportunity at North Texas, where his role shifted from leading a high school offense to developing within a college quarterback room.

Von Grote did not see game action during his first season with the Mean Green, preserving his redshirt, before appearing in three games during the 2025 season.

While his opportunities on Saturdays were limited, von Grote used his time in Denton to study the quarterbacks around him and adjust to the college game.

One of those quarterbacks was Chandler Morris. Von Grote took note of details such as Morris' quick release and ability to protect himself while operating the offense. Just as importantly, he learned to take something from every quarterback in the room, regardless of age or experience.

"I had to set my ego aside a little bit and learn from someone my own age," von Grote said.

It was an adjustment that required patience and humility, but one von Grote believes ultimately made him a better quarterback. Instead of measuring his progress solely by playing time, he learned to find value in the details he could pick up from the players around him.

When changes to the North Texas coaching staff opened the door for a new opportunity, von Grote entered the transfer portal looking for his next home.

That search brought him to Stetson.

While Texas football helped develop von Grote's competitive edge, many of the traits he carries onto the field began at home.

Growing up, von Grote was surrounded by airplanes, airports and stories from the cockpit. His grandfather enlisted in the Marine Corps at just 17 years old, serving as a crew chief on the F4U Corsair. The experience sparked his desire to become a pilot, eventually leading him into the Air Force cadet program.

From there, his grandfather flew test flights and later traveled to Germany, where he helped teach pilots to fly the F-104. A generation later, von Grote's father continued the family's aviation tradition, spending 22 years in the Air Force before moving into commercial aviation with American Airlines.

So too were the realities that came with military service.

His father spent periods of time away from home while von Grote was young, leaving him and his mother to navigate the stretches in between visits and phone calls.

"My mom took great care of me, and every time I got to see my dad, I was the happiest kid on earth," von Grote said.

As he got older, von Grote's childhood fascination with his father's career developed into an interest of his own.

"When I was little, I thought it was so cool that my dad was doing something as cool as that," he said. "He'd always talk about how he wanted to defend our country. That's kind of carried on to me. I want to do something for my country as well."

Eventually, watching from the ground wasn't enough.

While at North Texas, von Grote earned his pilot's license and began flying himself.

Von Grote earned his pilot's license while attending North Texas and hopes to continue flying during his time at Stetson.

"I just fell in love with it," he said. "It's a great side hobby."

His move to DeLand hasn't taken him far from aviation. Von Grote has already visited DeLand Municipal Airport and looked into local flight schools as he considers ways to continue flying during his time at Stetson.

He has also landed in a community with a strong aviation identity of its own. DeLand is well known for its skydiving scene, adding another connection to the world of flight that has surrounded von Grote for much of his life.

For now, finding time between football and academics remains the challenge, but von Grote hopes to continue adding flight hours when his schedule allows.

Flying and football may seem like different worlds, but many of the qualities von Grote learned from his family — discipline, preparation and remaining composed under pressure — translate naturally to quarterback.

He can even trace some of that toughness back to his first football practice.

After a difficult conditioning session left some of his young teammates exhausted, von Grote walked over to his father, removed his helmet and delivered a response his dad still remembers.

"I looked at him and I was like, 'I love football.'"

Von Grote's introduction to Stetson has been considerably more welcoming than his introduction to football conditioning.

From the moment he arrived on campus, he said teammates went out of their way to make him feel like part of the program.

"It was open arms as soon as I got here," von Grote said.

That welcome extended beyond the football facility. Teammates invited him to throw, grab meals around DeLand and spend time together away from the game. On one occasion, von Grote even made the trip to Orlando to support a teammate performing at a comedy night.

Those moments helped make a new program and a new state feel familiar quickly.

The same attitude has carried into the quarterback room.

Competition remains part of the equation, but von Grote said it hasn't prevented the group from developing genuine relationships. He has grown particularly close with fellow quarterback Chris Stephenson, whom he now considers one of his best friends on the team.

"While we compete, we're talking to each other about what we can do to be better," von Grote said. "At the end of the day, we just want this team to win. Whoever's playing, we just want them to win."

That balance between competing for a job and supporting the players around him reflects the way von Grote views the quarterback position as a whole. For him, playing the position is as much about understanding the people in the huddle as it is making the throws.

As a player, von Grote describes himself with one word: playmaker.

He believes he can create outside the pocket, throw from different arm angles and use his legs when necessary. He also prides himself on his accuracy.

But when it comes to leading the offense at Stetson, von Grote believes knowing his teammates is just as important. Since joining the Hatters, he has made a point to learn more about the players around him — their families, where they come from and even how each responds to coaching or criticism.

For von Grote, those relationships create the trust needed for a quarterback to lead when things become more demanding on the field.

"You've just got to make a relationship with people and be their friend," von Grote said. "Everyone takes criticism differently, so you've just got to find those little details."

That emphasis on relationships extends to his connection with head coach Mike Jasper. Von Grote said he appreciates Jasper's ability to hold players accountable while maintaining a strong relationship with them away from practice.

"He'll be on me during practice, as he should be," von Grote said. "But if I just want to talk to him or ask him about his kids and how everything is going with him, it feels like I'm talking to a mentor or a best friend."

As von Grote begins his Stetson career, his goals aren't limited to what happens on Saturdays.

He wants to become part of the DeLand community.

The Hatters' community outreach efforts have already provided an avenue to do so, including the program's High Five Fridays at local elementary schools. For von Grote, those interactions are another reminder that his platform as a college football player can extend beyond the field.

"I want to be someone that's prominent in our community," he said. "You get to see these kids, you get to talk to them. It's really just nice knowing that you can make a difference in someone's life."

Away from football, the intensity drops considerably.

Von Grote enjoys hosting teammates for UFC cards and movie nights, playing games and finding ways to keep the locker room connected outside the facility. He's a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan who grew up watching Tony Romo, and perhaps unsurprisingly for someone raised around airplanes, "Top Gun" remains one of his favorite movies.

Watching it with his father can be a different experience.

"He definitely critiques it," von Grote joked. "Especially the second one. He's like, 'I hope you know they don't do that. They can't do that.' I just tell him to let me enjoy the movie."

Football and aviation have remained two major parts of von Grote's life. One has taken him from the fields of Texas to North Texas and now Stetson, while the other has grown from a family tradition into a passion of his own.

Now in DeLand, his focus is on making the most of his opportunity with the Hatters. He's competing for a role at quarterback, continuing to develop within a new offense and getting settled into a program he quickly felt comfortable joining.

At the same time, aviation remains part of his long-term plans, with von Grote hoping to continue flying and potentially follow his family's path into military aviation.

For now, football comes first.

After a college career that has already taken him from Texas to Florida, von Grote is ready to see where his next opportunity at Stetson takes him.