Swick Leaves Willamette and will be the Head Coach at College of Wooster

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University Head Baseball Coach Aaron Swick, who led the Bearcats for 15 seasons since the fall of 2008, is leaving to begin a similar position as head baseball coach at the College of Wooster (Ohio). Swick achieved a 316-256-1 record (.552) with the Bearcats, including the 2018 NWC Tournament Championship and a trip to the 2018 NCAA Division III Tournament, where Willamette reached the regional final. A search for Swick's replacement will begin immediately.

"While I know this is what's best for my family at this time, the decision to leave Willamette was not an easy one," Swick said. "The relationships I've made with the student-athletes, their families, and colleagues on campus have left an unforgettable mark on my life and coaching career. I am proud of the imprint we have left on Willamette baseball and wish the team nothing but success in the future. Thank you for the incredible memories and the opportunity to be a part of the Bearcat family."

Swick is the winningest head coach in Willamette baseball history. He picked up his 300th victory in a doubleheader sweep of George Fox University on March 5 this spring and then added 16 more wins during the season. Willamette qualified for the NWC Tournament for the fourth time since 2017 and concluded 2023 with a 25-14 overall record (15-9 in the NWC). During his 15 seasons as the head coach, Swick led Willamette to a .500 record or better 13 times. Prior to becoming the head coach, Swick was WU's pitching coach in 2006 and 2007.

Willamette's most successful team under Swick was in 2018. The Bearcats were 31-19 overall, tying the school record for wins in a season after placing second in the West Regional. Willamette ended the season ranked #18 in NCAA Division III as released by HERO Sports. In 2021, Willamette finished 30-15 after losing in the championship game of the NWC Tournament. The 2021 team led NCAA Division III with a school record 68 home runs.

Swick coached three All-Americans at Willamette. In addition, Swick coached 12 All-Region selections, 19 First Team All-NWC honorees, and two NWC Players of the Year. His teams also were known for their success in the classroom, as the Bearcats earned a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher during every semester while Swick was the head coach. The Bearcats received the Team Academic Excellence Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) each of the past four seasons.