From Pros to Pitching Coach to Head Coach, Hessler to Lead Trojans

Everett, WA – After two seasons as the Trojan pitching coach, Keith Hessler was named the head baseball coach after the position was posted and interviewed for.  Hessler becomes the fourth head coach since the program was brought back to Everett Community College in 2001.  Since that time, Everett baseball has accumulated 607 wins, 9 north region championships (including the past two seasons with Hessler as the pitching coach), 1 NWAC Championship, and countless alumni that have gone on to play at the 4 year level, many at the NCAA Division I level, and some have even heard their names called on MLB draft day. 

Hessler's past two seasons with the Trojans have yielded a truly dominant pitching staff, one that ranked #2 in the NWAC in ERA at 2.32, and the combined 428 strikeouts is the most all time in a single season at EvCC.  Starting pitcher Kenji Miller's 1.69 ERA ranked 3^rd among pitchers that threw 80 or more innings and closer Devin Macwatters was as good as they come, making 14 appearances, recording 8 saves (the most all time in a single season at EvCC), and a lights out .046 ERA, giving up just one earned run all season. 

"Keith has earned this opportunity," said athletic director Garet Studer.  We knew that this job would attract a lot of qualified candidates, and we interviewed several people that the committee thought would do a fine job leading this program. But Keith delivered on a level, not only with his professional playing experience but also with what he has done with this program through two difficult COVID years.  Our baseball student athletes, especially the pitchers, thrived in the classroom, and were consistently prepared to compete at their very best, which has in turn presented them with opportunities to pursue their athletic and academic pursuits at the 4 year level."

Keith enjoyed a seven-year professional career from 2011-2018.  He was drafted in the 28^th round by Arizona and played 5 years in the Diamondback organization before being traded to San Diego in 2016.  He then finished out his career with the Colorado Rockies organization in 2018. 

"I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Trojan baseball program. This team has a track record of success not only on the field but in the classroom and the staff here will work to maintain that standard set by Coach Guinn, Coach Howie, and Coach Lacey. We will continue to develop and recruit players that will help bring the NWAC Championship back to Everett."

Keith has a Bachelor's degree in recreation and sport management from Coastal Carolina University, where he played his college ball before being drafted.