Jacob Garsez named head baseball coach at Saint Martin's University

The baseball team at Saint Martin's University in Lacey is under new leadership.

Jacob Garsez was named head coach of the Saints.

“I want to sincerely thank Director of Athletics Theresa Hanson and University President Dr. Bill Brownsberger for the opportunity to lead the Saint Martin’s baseball program,” said Garsez in a statement.

“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this role, and I’m committed to building SMU Baseball into a competitive and respected program—both on and off the field. My family and I are truly excited to join the Saint Martin’s community, and we look forward to the journey ahead as we become part of laying the foundation for something special.”  

Garsez brings 10 years of coaching experience to his new role.

 “Jacob is a proven leader who understands the importance of balancing competitive excellence with personal development,” said Hanson in a statement.

“We are excited to welcome him to Saints Athletics as the new head coach of our baseball program. His commitment to building a championship culture — both on and off the field — makes him an outstanding fit for Saint Martin’s University. We look forward to the future of Saints Baseball under his leadership and the new era it represents for our program.”   

Garsez comes from Sonoma State University in California, where he was the head baseball coach. SSU announced the elimination of its athletic programs in January 2025.

Before coaching at Sonoma State, Garsez coached at Oregon Tech and the University of Antelope Valley, earning several honors at both colleges.

He helped lead Oregon Tech to a 2023 Cascade Conference Championship, as well as earned recognition in the NAIA Top 25 Poll.  

 At the University of Antelope Valley (UAV), Garsez won coach of the year in three different conferences, as well as UAV Athletic Staff of the Year twice. His teams made several NAIA National Tournaments, with a NAIA World Series appearance in 2018.  

In addition to his on the field leadership, Garsez has a “strong commitment to academic excellence and player development,” as he is a certified Mental Performance Coach, Saint Martin's University said in announcing the coaching hire.

 Previously, his teams have earned NAIA Scholarly Team and ABCA Academic Excellence Honors. This year, 15 St. Martins players were named to the Academic All-Conference Team.  

 Garsez holds a master's degree in teaching with a focus on physical education and health from George Fox University, a bachelor's degree in exercise science, and an associates degree from Columbia Basin College, where he played baseball.