July 20, 2015
RENO, Nev. - The University of Nevada baseball team has hired Steve Bennett as a pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, head coach T.J. Bruce announced on Monday. The first hire of Bruce's inaugural staff, Bennett will coach Nevada's pitching staff and manage all aspects of the program's recruiting.
"Steve brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of not only great recruiting, but developing top notch arms," said Bruce. "We welcome Steve and his family to the University of Nevada baseball program."
Bennett arrives to Nevada after nine years at Gonzaga, where he served as the Bulldogs' assistant coach and pitching coach from 2007-15. Bennett helped guide Gonzaga to 301 wins in his tenure, including six 30-win campaigns. He also helped five student-athletes earn West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year honors, 17 pitchers be named to the All-WCC team and had 14 pitchers get drafted in the annual Major League Baseball draft.
A native of Helena, Mont., Bennett was a four-year letter winner at Gonzaga, appearing in 54 games in his career. A three-time All-WCC selection, Bennett was drafted in the 28th round by the Mets and played for four years in their organization before beginning his coaching career with his alma mater.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the Wolf Pack," said Bennett. "This is a program that is trending in the right direction and has a great team coming back. On my visit, I really enjoyed the atmosphere around the team and campus, and I trust Coach Bruce and what he can accomplish here. I'm excited to get going."
Bennett lifted Gonzaga to WCC regular season titles in 2009 and 2013, the only two WCC titles in program history, while his pitching staffs have set the record for lowest team ERA in program history twice. Bennett's had 14 pitchers get drafted, including first rounders Marco Gonzales and Clayton Mortenson. Five of his former pitchers have played in the big leagues, while nine are currently still playing professionally.
Last season, Bennett's Gonzaga pitching staff posted a cumulative 3.80 earned run average, which ranked second in the conference and 78th nationally. Bennett helped junior RHP Andrew Sopko earn All-WCC honors after posting seven wins and 3.55 ERA on the season.
Bennett and the Bulldogs posted a 17-10 record in the WCC in 2014, finishing third in the conference. Bennett helped lead RHP Brandon Bailey to a stellar freshman season. Bailey earned first team all-league honors, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.85 ERA in 66.1 innings.
Bennett and Gonzaga hoisted the regular season WCC trophy in 2013, posting a 32-win season with an 18-6 conference record. He had three pitchers earn All-WCC honors. Marco Gonzales was named WCC Co-Player of the Year and won the John Olerud Award after posting a 7-3 record with a 2.80 ERA in 106 innings. After the season, Gonzales was drafted with the 19th pick overall by the Cardinals, marking the highest draft pick in Gonzaga history. Senior LHP Tyler Olson was named WCC Pitcher of the Year - the fifth player to earn that title under Bennett.
Bennett's pitching staff set a program record for lowest ERA in 2012, leading the WCC with a 2.95 ERA. The Bulldogs posted a 34-22 record while Bennett had two pitchers named to the all-conference team; Gonzales and Olson. Gonzales was named NCBWA District IX Player of the Year, WCC Pitcher of the Year and a third team All-American.
The Bulldogs tallied a 32-19-1 record with a 16-6 record in 2011, Bennett's fifth year as an assistant coach. He had a personal-best mark of four pitchers earn all-conference honors. Gonzales hauled in a program record four postseason awards, including WCC Co-Player and Co-Freshman of the Year along with Kris Bryant. Junior LHP Ryan Carpenter was named WCC Pitcher of the Year before being drafted in the seventh round by the Rays. Bennett's pitching staff boasted a 3.19 team ERA and ranked first in fewest hits allowed and second in strikeouts in the WCC.
Bennett had another pitcher drafted following the 2010 season was senior RHP Cody Martin was selected in the 20th round by the Twins.
Bennett and the Bulldogs posted a stellar season in 2009, posting a 36-18 while winning its first WCC regular season and tournament titles in program history. Gonzaga reached NCAA postseason play for the first time since 1981, going 1-2 at the Fullerton Regional to tally its first NCAA postseason victory in 29 years. Bennett's pitching staff led the league in team ERA while ranking third in hits allowed. Senior RHP Matt Field was named WCC Pitcher of the Year.
Gonzaga went 30-23 overall and 10-10 in the WCC in 2008, while Bennett helped Field and Martin earn all-conference honors.
In his first season as a full-time assistant coach, Bennett helped Gonzaga tally its most wins in 17 seasons with a 33-25 overall record. Senior RHP Clayton Mortenson was named WCC Pitcher of the Year after posting a 9-2 record with six complete games. After the season, he was drafted in the first round of the draft with the 36th pick overall by the Cardinals.
Bennett earned two degrees from the Gonzaga University; a bachelor's degree in human resource management, business in 1999 and a master's in business administration in 2002.
Bennett and his wife, Abby, have three children; Cullen (6), William (4) and Murphy (1).
