Stetson University Athletics

Stetson Baseball has announced the addition of veteran collegiate coach Nick Restaino as its new Director of Baseball Operations ahead of the 2025 season, bringing more than three decades of NCAA Division I coaching, recruiting, and program management experience to the Hatters. 

A 1993 graduate of Fordham University, Restaino began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Lehman College before moving to Manhattan College in 1994. After two seasons with the Jaspers, he returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach at Fordham, where he spent seven years rising through the ranks to recruiting coordinator and associate head coach. 

During his tenure as an assistant, Restaino helped transform the Rams from the bottom of the Atlantic 10 Conference into one of the league's top programs, culminating in Fordham's first Atlantic 10 Tournament appearance since 1998. He played a key role in recruiting numerous standout players, including future professional players Bobby Kingsbury and Greg Smith. 

On August 5, 2004, Restaino was named Fordham's interim head coach. In his first season, he guided the Rams to a 34-21 record and earned Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honors in 2005. Following the season, the interim designation was removed, and he remained at the helm through the 2011 season. 

Under Restaino's leadership, Fordham became one of the Atlantic 10's most consistent programs, posting four 30-win seasons and making four conference tournament appearances. His teams developed numerous professional players, highlighted by Major League pitcher Nick Martinez, an Olympian and gold medal game starter for Team USA who also enjoyed a successful career in Japan. 

Throughout his coaching career, Restaino has helped develop more than 20 players who signed professional contracts, including MLB players Nick Martinez, Jason Foley, and Zack Short. Other notable professional players coached by Restaino include Cory Riordan, Tom Davis, Javier Martinez, John Mollicone, Chris Pike, Brent Teller, and Bobby Kingsbury. 

Over 12 seasons as a Division I head coach at Fordham and Sacred Heart, Restaino amassed 273 wins and six conference tournament appearances. 

Some of his career accomplishments include: 

• 2023 – Ralph DiLullo Award recipient from the New York Professional Scouts Association 
• Four NCAA APR National Recognition Awards 
• 2008 – NCAA Stolen Base Statistical Champion 
• 2007 – Atlantic 10 Conference runner-up 
• 2005 – Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year 
• Four Atlantic 10 Tournament appearances 
• Two Northeast Conference Tournament appearances 
• 107-76 Atlantic 10 conference record (.585 winning percentage) 
• 14 All-Conference selections 
• Seven ECAC All-Stars 
• Seven Louisville Slugger All-Americans 
• Four victories over nationally ranked opponents, including Miami (Fla.) and Virginia 

Following his time at Fordham, Restaino joined the coaching staff at Southern Connecticut State in 2014 before moving to Sacred Heart in 2015. After serving as an assistant, he was named head coach of the Pioneers following Nick Giaquinto's retirement and led the program through the 2022 season. 

"Nick and I have known each other for many years, as we competed against each other as head coaches," said Stetson Head Coach Steve Trimper. "He has an unmatched wealth of experience, both on the field and with the day-to-day operations of a high-level NCAA Division I program. His leadership, organization, and knowledge of the game will make him an invaluable addition to our staff and to the Stetson Baseball family." 

Restaino joins the Hatters with extensive experience in coaching, recruiting, player development, and program administration, adding a proven veteran presence to one of college baseball's most respected programs.