UNLV Names Nick Garritano as Its New Head Baseball Coach

UNLV has named Nick Garritano as its new head baseball coach, Athletics Director Erick Harper announced Friday. Garritano comes to the Rebels after 16 seasons at the College of Southern Nevada. He replaces Stan Stolte, who retired last weekend. Garritano is a former Rebel student-athlete, UNLV Hall of Famer, and Las Vegas native. Harper praised the hire as a natural fit for the program.

"Nick Garritano is a proven winner, a respected leader, and a true Rebel," Harper said. "We are excited to welcome him back to campus to lead our baseball program and write the next chapter of Hustlin' Rebel baseball."

Garritano Built a Powerhouse Program at CSN

Garritano built one of the nation's top junior college baseball programs at CSN. He compiled a 632-271 record since taking over the Coyotes in 2011. He guided CSN to two NJCAA World Series appearances in 2017 and 2024. The program earned multiple conference championships and ranked consistently in the national polls. His teams reached preseason No. 1 status in 2021.

Garritano was named SWAC Coach of the Year seven times and Western District Coach of the Year twice. He also earned ACCAC Coach of the Year honors in 2025. Under his leadership, CSN sent 22 players to the MLB Draft. Under his watch, more than 190 players advanced to four-year programs.

His teams also maintained a cumulative GPA above 3.0 in 23 of the last 24 semesters.

From UNLV Kicker to Rebel Hall of Famer

Garritano's connection to Southern Nevada runs deep. A 1991 graduate of Chaparral High School in Las Vegas, he went on to play football at UNLV as a starting placekicker from 1991 to 1994. He finished as the second-leading scorer in program history and was part of the Rebels' 1994 Big West and Las Vegas Bowl championship team. UNLV inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, and he was also inducted into the Southern Nevada Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015. Before CSN, he spent 12 seasons coaching at Green Valley High School, where he posted a 316-118 record and won state championships in 2001 and 2003.

Garritano on Returning to Lead the Rebels

Garritano was grateful for the opportunity to lead UNLV baseball. "The opportunity to take over the UNLV baseball program is truly a dream come true," he said. "Having lived in Las Vegas for 48 years, I grew up watching and supporting every aspect of UNLV Athletics, creating a lifelong connection to the University." He added that the role brings his lifelong connection to Las Vegas full circle. The Rebels last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2014 and have never reached the College World Series.