Shane Gierke was named the 24th head coach in Stetson Baseball history on July 20, 2026.
Gierke returned to DeLand after spending the 2026 season as an assistant coach at UCF. He previously served four seasons on the Stetson coaching staff (2021-25), eventually becoming associate head coach after being promoted from recruiting coordinator in February 2024.
During his first stint with the Hatters, Gierke helped guide Stetson to one of the most successful stretches in recent program history. The Hatters captured back-to-back ASUN Conference Tournament championships in 2024 and 2025, won the 2024 ASUN regular season title, and earned consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
Serving as the program's hitting coach and recruiting coordinator, 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-ASUN selections. His responsibilities also included overseeing the program's recruiting efforts and scholarship budget.
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.
Recognized as one of the nation's premier assistants, Gierke was named one of D1Baseball's Top 100 Assistant Coaches entering the 2024 season.
Gierke brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience to the position. Throughout his career, he has recruited and coached 21 All-Americans, 30 All-Region selections, 85 All-Conference performers and 32 professional baseball players.
Prior to arriving at Stetson in 2021, Gierke spent six seasons (2015-21) as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Troy. During his tenure, the Trojans developed 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 while earning a berth in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Gierke began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater, 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 East Division titles in 2010 and 2011. During his tenure, West Florida produced 13 MLB Draft picks, eight All-Americans, 22 All-Region selections and 54 All-Conference performers.
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.
A native of Apopka, Fla., Gierke is married to the former Veronica Slover. The couple has a son, Jackson, and a daughter, Shelby.
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." -Â 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 GiantsÂ
"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
