Trevecca Nazarene University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Trevecca Nazarene University baseball coach Ryan Schmalz announced his resignation as the head coach of the Trojan program. Schmalz, the winningest baseball coach in Great Midwest Athletic Conference history, took over the Trojan program before the 2012-2013 school year. He is the ninth coach in the history of the Trojan program. 

Schmalz said, “Leading the baseball program at Trevecca has been one of the richest blessings of my life.” 

Schmalz added, “I absolutely love my job, but it has not come without its sacrifices. In particular to my family. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. The COVID pandemic has convicted me of the time I have missed and I guess I’m not willing to do that anymore. I have an opportunity out of baseball that will allow me to reprioritize my life towards my family.” 

Trevecca athletic director Mark Elliott commented on the man he hired eight years ago, "When you hire a man with the coaching ability, character, and commitment of Ryan Schmalz, this day is inevitable." 

"Maybe it's to an NCAA Division I job, or maybe it's a combination of business and family opportunities. Either way, it is a sad and heartbreaking reality for us that today, Ryan has decided to step away from our program."

"Ryan, Rebecca, Molly, Jane, and Hank have put everything into Trevecca and the baseball program. They are making a great decision, bathed in prayer and consultation with family." 

Elliott concluded, "We love them, we support this conclusion, and wish only the very best for their next chapter in life." 

Schmalz collected his 200th win as the Trojans head coach in 7-6 outing over Saginaw Valley State University on March 7, 2019. He is the second-winningest coach in Trevecca history, he sits behind his former college coach Elliot Johnson (330 wins). 

Schmalz helped the storied program through the transition from the NAIA Era to the NCAA Division II Era. He started by dominating play in the newly formed Great Midwest Athletic Conference.  

Ryan Schmalz led the Trojan baseball program to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) regular season and tournament championship in his first three years.  

In his fifth season, the Trojans added a fifth-consecutive G-MAC regular-season title.  

Schmalz said, “I am thankful to so many people at or connected to Trevecca. First, to Mark Elliott and Dan Boone for believing in me and allowing me to lead their baseball program.” 

Despite being a newcomer to the NCAA Division II ranks, the program earned regional rankings and received votes for NCAA Division II Top 25 baseball polls. Schmalz program produced the player of the year, the pitcher of the year, and freshmen of the year at the conference level. The program fashioned numerous all-region players and pitchers and the first-ever NCAA Division II region player of the year in program history.  

Not only did Schmalz build a winning team on the field, but the field itself also grew significantly during his time. The list of improvements is immense. The upgrades include an indoor practice facility, a new scoreboard, new fencing around the entire facility, new coaches' offices and concession stand, improved seating, sound system, home and visitor dugouts, picnic pavilion, bullpen area, and patio.  

Schmalz commented on the tradition that is Trevecca baseball, “We have a rich baseball tradition, dating back to the original Trojan Boys and Bill Green. I am fortunate enough to have been a small part of it and stand on their shoulders.” 

Schmalz quickly made the home of the Trojans, Jackson Field, a tough place for opponents to win. Over his first five seasons at the helm, the Trojans were 114-48 at home. His conference record in those first five years was equally impressive, going 81-21 in league play, and the team paced the G-MAC postseason with a 15-5 record. 

In year two, he led the Trojans to the NCCAA World Series for the first time in school history. 

Schmalz picked up win #100 against Ohio Valley University on April 17, 2015. His record stood at 100-50 in just his third season, which ended with his third consecutive Great Midwest Championship title. 

Following the 2015 season, the St. Louis Cardinals provided the Trojans and Schmalz an unforgettable moment when they drafted Hunter Newman in the 22nd round. Newman, Trevecca's All-American third basemen, was also selected at the G-MAC Athlete of the Year for all sports. 

Schmalz began his coaching career at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. His next stop was as an assistant for Jeff Sziksai at NCAA Division ll Lincoln Memorial University.  

Schmalz played for two NAIA World Series teams at Olivet Nazarene University. There he played for Trevecca Hall of Famer Elliot Johnson and the Tigers' first two NAIA World Series teams.   

Schmalz added, “It has been a pleasure to coach so many terrific young men, but also have been welcomed into their families as well. In addition, the wonderful faculty and staff on the Hill have made my eight years seem effortless. We have all joined together to build on a program as a #FAMILY for eight years.” 

His undergraduate degree is from Olivet, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. He obtained his Master of Arts degree from Morehead State University. 

Schmalz is married to Rebecca Geasa Schmalz, and together they have two daughters, Molly and Jane, and one son, Hank. 

Schmalz concluded with these comments for his immediate family, “Thank you for your unwavering support, willingness to sacrifice, for dealing with me after tough losses, for celebrating with me after big wins and for allowing me to do the job I love.” 

MORE ABOUT THE TREVECCA TROJANS

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