Nevada baseball hires Steve Bennett as pitching coach

RENO — 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.

Bennett is the first hire by the new head coach.

“Steve brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of not only great recruiting, but also developing top notch arms,” Bruce said. “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.”