Matt Reynolds was introduced as the fourth head coach in the history of Wesleyan baseball on August 21, 2025 and will be entering his first season with the Cardinals' baseball program in 2026. Reynolds, who has 21 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 11 as a head coach at both the Division I and Division III levels, brings a proven record of program building, alumni engagement, and student-athlete development.
"Matt Reynolds is an exceptional leader who has rebuilt programs, elevated academic and athletic standards, and engaged alumni in ways that sustain long-term success," said Whalen. "His track record at UMass, Washington College, and the Naval Academy shows he can build a winning culture while prioritizing academics and character. We're excited to see him lead Wesleyan Baseball into its next era."
Reynolds most recently served as head coach at the University of Massachusetts, where he guided the Minutemen to their most successful seasons in over a decade, including a 24-win campaign and Atlantic 10 playoff berth in 2024. Prior to UMass, he resurrected the program at Washington College, turning the Shoremen into a conference contender. Earlier in his career, he spent seven seasons at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he served as both assistant coach and active-duty Naval officer.
"I am honored to join Wesleyan as only the fourth head baseball coach in the last 84 years," said Reynolds. "Wesleyan's combination of academic excellence, athletic tradition, and alumni passion makes this an incredible opportunity. My vision is to build a program defined by our three pillars—Classroom, Competition, and Community—while competing for NESCAC Championships. I can't wait to get started."
The appointment drew strong endorsement from one of the most respected names in college baseball:
"I am thrilled that Matt Reynolds will be taking over the baseball program at Wesleyan. He was an assistant coach on my staff at the Naval Academy and played an integral role in our team's success. An outstanding recruiter, with strong leadership skills, Matt will set a high standard at Wesleyan. I'm excited for the future of the baseball program and I look forward to supporting Matt and the program going forward." – Paul Kostacopoulos, Former Head Baseball Coach, U.S. Naval Academy
A native of South Boston, Massachusetts, Reynolds holds bachelor's (communication, 2005) and master's (education technology, 2010) degrees from UMass. He and his wife Alexandra have two kids - Jack and Cara.
