MEQUON, Wis. — The Concordia University Wisconsin Athletics Department, under the leadership of Dr. Rob Barnhill, has announced the promotion of Mitch Rogers to baseball head coach.
Rogers excelled as the interim head coach of the Concordia Wisconsin baseball team during the 2026 season.
"I am pleased to announce the elevation of Coach Mitch Rogers from interim head baseball coach to full-time head coach," said Director of Athletics Dr. Rob Barnhill. "Mitch stepped up this season to serve as head coach after a sudden change and performed remarkably well. We conducted a national search, and through the process realized that Coach Rogers was the right man at the right time. His players were steadfast in their support, and the committee was impressed with his demeanor and confidence. We look forward to the future of CUW baseball under the guidance of Coach Rogers."
The Falcons soared to one of their best seasons in recent history in 2026 under Rogers' command.
"I am thrilled about this opportunity and excited to continue to build here at Concordia," said Rogers. "Falcon fans can expect a continued emphasis on faith, player recruiting and providing a top-notch player experience. Go Falcons!"
The Concordia Wisconsin program posted a program-record 10 all-conference selections and 33 scholar-athletes during the 2026 season.
Rogers joined Concordia with two years of prior coaching experience, providing a strong foundation in player development and pitching strategy. Before arriving in Mequon, he served as interim head coach of the Lakeshore Chinooks in the Northwoods League during the summer of 2024. Under his leadership, the Chinooks' pitching staff ranked in the league's top 10 in strikeouts per nine innings, first-pitch strike percentage and fewest home runs allowed. Rogers also played a key role in player development, helping Cohen Achen become a 14th-round MLB Draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles and guiding two other pitchers to professional contracts with the Lake Country DockHounds.
Rogers began his coaching career as a student assistant at Tennessee Tech University in the fall of 2023, where he worked closely with the pitching staff. During his time with the Golden Eagles, the team led the Ohio Valley Conference in both walks per nine innings and earned run average while ranking second in strikeouts per nine innings. Tennessee Tech finished the season with a 29-26 record.
As a player, Rogers competed at three collegiate levels: NCAA Division I Western Carolina, NJCAA Dyersburg State and NAIA Cumberland University. During his two-year stint at Cumberland, he totaled 112 strikeouts in 87.2 innings pitched and helped lead the Phoenix to a regional tournament appearance, starting the opening game. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Cumberland in 2023.
"This job means the world to me because it's all about the players," said Rogers. "I want to be a coach who is connected with their lives — someone they seek mentorship from, trust and ultimately grow with. At my age, I remember exactly what it felt like to be in their shoes, so I am coming in focused on making this a place where they love to show up every day."
