Russell Triplett named head baseball coach at The Citadel

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The nationwide search for a new head baseball coach at The Citadel has come to an end.

The school’s athletic department announced Wednesday afternoon that it has hired Russell Triplett, a former Clemson University standout, to lead the team.

“The opportunity to take the helm of a program with as much history, tradition and pure grit as The Citadel is a dream come true,” Triplett said. “The entire process of interviewing for this position has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’d like to personally thank The Citadel’s president, Gen. Walters, the Citadel Director of Athletics Mike Capaccio and every member of the search committee for putting their faith in my background, my experience and my vision.”

“The Citadel ranks as one of those ‘special places’ within the college baseball community, and my entire family and I are thrilled to embrace the unique culture and dedicated alumni base that makes this institution exceptional,” he continued.

He will replace outgoing Coach Tony Skole, who mutually parted ways with the school in May.

The search committee reportedly screened more than 60 applicants for the position before selecting Triplett.

“Following a comprehensive search over the past few weeks, I’m proud to welcome Russell Triplett as the new head baseball coach for The Citadel,” Director of Athletics Mike Capaccio said. “Triplett has a proven track record of success throughout his career and I look forward to watching him construct a culture of excellence, focused around the development of our cadet and student athletes, in the search to reestablish the deep-rooted, winning tradition of the storied baseball program here at The Citadel.”

Triplett served as the head coach at Newberry College for the last 14 seasons, amassing an overall record of 418-278-1.

He led the Wolves to their first-ever South Atlantic Conference (SAC) regular-season title in 2019. He also helped the team clinch both the SAC regular-season championship and tournament championship during the 2023 season, later leading the program to its first NCAA Tournament win.

Before that, Triplett served as the head assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at USC Upstate from 2008 to 2010 and was a volunteer assistant at Clemson University.

This story is developing and may be updated.