Chance Sharp is entering his 1^st season as the Head Baseball Coach for the Highland Cougars. Let's get to know Coach Sharp, and what we should expect from the 1^st year head coach as he takes over the baseball program.

Head Baseball Coach Chance Sharp is a former collegiate pitcher at Salem University and New Mexico Highlands University (NCAA D2).

After his playing career, Coach Sharp got into coaching. He has built up an impressive coaching resume, as he has seven years' experience as a coach.  He spent the last 3 years as the Pitching Coach at Benedictine University - Mesa (NAIA, Mesa, AZ). Spent 1 year as the Pitching Coach at Carolina University (NAIA, North Carolina). He also spent 3 years as an Assistant Coach at Kofa High School (Yuma, AZ).

When asked about what his goals are for the Cougar Baseball Program, Coach Sharp said, "I have a lot of goals for the Cougar Baseball Program. On the field, I want a group that is going to compete through every aspect of the game from start to finish. Another physical goal is to put these players in a position to be recruited by the next level. Having players leave the program and continue playing at the 4-year level is very important to me. Off the field, I want a group of young men that is respected within campus and our community. We need to be successful in the classroom, not only for their time here as a Cougar but for their future when they move on to a 4 - year school."

In terms of culture, Coach Sharp believes it should be shaped naturally. "Culture is a tough one for me. I do not like fake culture or having a culture slogan just to have it. The best team cultures happen sort of naturally. I think the team culture should come naturally as the team grows, works together and competes together. As the coach it is my responsibility to put these athletes in a position to sculpt the culture", said Coach Sharp.

As all things with college athletics, recruiting plays a major role in developing and maintaining a program. For Coach Sharp, his recruiting philosophy is simple, "I want baseball players, not just guys that play baseball, and I believe there is a difference. A baseball player will do whatever it takes to get on the field and compete to the best of their ability. Guys that play baseball are typically not the best competitors especially when times are tough."

Coach Chance Sharp got off to a late start, getting the job in late September. What should we expect in year one? "For the first year I want to begin laying down the foundation for years to come. Getting a late start to the year, my first goal is to get the players that stayed the season the opportunity they deserve", said Coach Sharp.

Chance Sharp is also one of the college's academic success coaches on campus, providing a valuable tool to Highland students' academic growth and success. "The Student Success Center provides a great opportunity for students to get the support they need while at Highland. We have so much to offer students and I am happy to be a part of that department."