San Diego native Kevin Vance aims high in first season as Aztecs' baseball coach

Vance takes over a once-proud program that hasn't had a winning record in four years and hasn't reached an NCAA Regional in eight years.

Feb. 13, 2026 at 12:31am

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Kevin Vance, a 35-year-old San Diego native, has been hired as the new head baseball coach at San Diego State University. Vance, who previously served as a pitching coach at Arizona, is just the seventh head coach in the Aztecs' 90-year history. He is tasked with turning around a program that has struggled in recent years, having not had a winning record since 2022 or reached an NCAA Regional since 2018. Vance is optimistic that his roster of 20 transfers, 12 returners, and 8 freshmen has the talent to make the postseason this season, despite being picked to finish 7th in the 9-team Mountain West Conference.

Why it matters

Vance's hiring represents a pivotal moment for the SDSU baseball program, which has a storied history but has fallen on hard times in recent years. As a San Diego native, Vance has a personal connection to the program and a vested interest in restoring it to prominence. His emphasis on building team culture, reconnecting with alumni, and leveraging analytics and the mental side of the game could help the Aztecs make a long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Vance, a former two-way standout at Torrey Pines High School, has steadily worked his way up the coaching ranks over the past decade, with stops at UConn, Rhode Island, Boston College, and Arizona before landing the SDSU job. He takes over a roster that includes 20 transfers, 12 returners, and 8 freshmen, and he is confident the team has the talent to make the postseason this year, despite being picked to finish 7th in the Mountain West. Vance's coaching philosophy emphasizes both analytics and the mental side of the game, and he has already made efforts to reconnect with SDSU baseball alumni, including bringing on former Aztec great Stephen Strasburg as a special assistant.

  • SDSU begins the 2026 season on Friday, February 14, 2026 when it opens a three-game series against Long Island University at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
  • Vance was hired as SDSU's head coach in June 2025, replacing Shaun Cole who was dismissed after two years.

The players

Kevin Vance

The 35-year-old San Diego native is the new head baseball coach at San Diego State University, taking over a program that has struggled in recent years. Vance previously served as a pitching coach at the University of Arizona.

Stephen Strasburg

A former SDSU baseball legend who recently provided funding for a new outfield wall at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Strasburg has signed on as a special assistant to the head coach, impressed by Vance's background and vision for the program.

Jake Jackson

A Madison High School graduate and one of SDSU's only returning starters, an outfielder who hit .249 with 4 home runs and 31 RBIs last season.

Bryce McKnight

A junior right-handed pitcher who followed Vance from the University of Arizona to San Diego State, providing his new teammates with a positive scouting report on the new head coach.

Tom Vance

Kevin Vance's father, a local lawyer who encouraged his son's interest in coaching and wished he had pursued a career as a high school teacher and coach himself.

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What they’re saying

“We've set that goal since Day 1. The pillars of our program — diplomas and championships — are the first things that come (to mind), so our goal is to win a Mountain West championship and get to a regional.”

— Kevin Vance, Head Baseball Coach, San Diego State University

“He comes from a very good program over there (at Arizona). He's been all over the country, and his success is really everything that I think this program needs. It's just about being here to help make sure that he has the resources at his disposal to get the players the most out of their games.”

— Stephen Strasburg, Special Assistant to the Head Coach, San Diego State University

“It was good vibes, and I knew I wanted to come back. He showed dedication to wanting to bring the program back to how it was and take it to another level. I think his commitment to winning at a high level was a big thing that I really liked.”

— Jake Jackson, Outfielder, San Diego State University

“I told them he's a good coach. He's laid back, but has a goal and is very dedicated to that goal. He's the same as he was when he was the pitching coach. He's focused on the pitchers, but it's cool to see him also focus with the hitters and managing defensive plays and all that stuff as well.”

— Bryce McKnight, Pitcher, San Diego State University

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.