New UNO Baseball Coach Aims to Reflect City's Identity

Andrew Gipson plans to build a winning culture with high energy and attention to detail.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Andrew Gipson, the new head coach of the University of New Orleans (UNO) baseball team, says his first squad will feature around 30 new faces and just three starters from last year's Southland Conference Tournament runner-up finish. Gipson, who previously served as an assistant at Southeastern and led Belhaven to the Division III Super Regionals, wants the Privateers' brand to match the resiliency and energy of the city of New Orleans.

Why it matters

UNO's baseball program is looking to rebound after a strong 2025 season, and the hiring of Gipson signals a shift in the team's identity and playing style. As the Privateers aim to build a winning culture, Gipson's emphasis on high energy, attention to detail, and reflecting the spirit of New Orleans could help the team connect with the local community.

The details

Gipson's first UNO team will feature around 30 new players, with just three starters returning from last year's Southland Conference Tournament runner-up squad. The new coach wants the Privateers to play with 'high energy' and 'up tempo' baseball, focusing on taking advantage of any opportunities the defense or lineup provides. Gipson has experience as a long-time assistant at Southeastern and leading Belhaven to the Division III Super Regionals.

  • UNO's season opener is set for Friday, February 14th at 3 p.m. against Georgia State.
  • Following the three-game series with Georgia State, the Privateers will face Southern in Baton Rouge.
  • UNO's home opener will be in the Maestri Classic on Friday, February 20th against Alabama A&M.

The players

Andrew Gipson

The new head coach of the University of New Orleans (UNO) baseball team, who previously served as an assistant at Southeastern and led Belhaven to the Division III Super Regionals.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever brand we are that day, I want to match what the city is in terms of its resiliency, the energy. We want you to show up at this ballpark or wherever we play and feel something in your gut. And, you know you can't do that if it's just lethargic baseball. We're going to play with high energy. It's going to be up tempo. The attention to detail is hopefully going to be high. You know, and guys will take advantage of any opportunity that that the defense gives us to score and any opportunity that the lineup gives us to get them out.”

— Andrew Gipson, Head Coach (wgno.com)

What’s next

UNO's home opener will be in the Maestri Classic on Friday, February 20th against Alabama A&M.

The takeaway

Gipson's focus on building a winning culture that reflects the energy and resiliency of New Orleans could help the UNO baseball program connect with the local community and set the tone for a successful season.