Austin Peay State University (APSU) baseball is making big changes. Head coach Roland Fanning has announced some important promotions within the coaching team.
Coaching Changes
Jon Littell is now the Associate Head Coach and Director of Hitting. Since he became a full-time assistant in July 2023, he has led the team to two of its best offensive seasons ever. In fact, before the postseason in 2025, APSU ranked impressively in several NCAA stats, including:
- Second with a .337 batting average
- Fifth with 632 hits and 109 home runs
- Third with a .448 on-base percentage
- Second in runs scored (543) and runs per game (9.9)
Pitching Highlights
Keirce Kimbel has stepped up to Associate Head Coach and Director of Pitching. Since joining the team in 2024, he has been instrumental in building a strong bullpen, leading them to back-to-back championship titles. Last season, the team boasted the lowest Earned Run Average (ERA) since 2013, a hallmark of his coaching success.
Operations Leadership
Ellie Wiggins is now the Director of Baseball/Chief of Staff. She previously handled operations as a graduate student and will now manage daily tasks like travel and itineraries.
The Bigger Picture
These promotions come at a time when college baseball is evolving. According to a recent NCAA report, the level of competition has significantly increased, with many programs investing more in their coaching staff. APSU’s success in boosting team performance reflects this trend. Elevating coaches from within the program helps maintain continuity and fosters a strong team culture.
As of 2026, all three coaches are set to enter their fourth seasons with the Governors, setting the stage for even greater achievements ahead. With a strong support system and proven leadership, APSU baseball looks poised for continued success.
For more about APSU baseball, check out their official site here.
