WVU's Steve Sabins Named National Coach of the Year

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University head baseball coach Steve Sabins has been named the 2026 NCBWA Mike Martin National Coach of the Year, becoming the first coach in program history to earn the prestigious national honor.

The award, presented annually by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, recognizes the top head coach in college baseball.

Sabins received the recognition after guiding the Mountaineers to one of the most successful seasons in school history. Under his leadership, West Virginia set a program record with 45 victories and advanced to the College World Series for the first time ever.

The historic season elevated the Mountaineers into the national spotlight and helped establish West Virginia as one of the premier programs in college baseball. The team's postseason run included victories in both regional and super regional competition before earning a berth in Omaha.

Sabins took over the program following the retirement of longtime head coach Randy Mazey and quickly continued the momentum that had been building in Morgantown. His leadership helped the Mountaineers reach unprecedented heights while delivering one of the most memorable seasons in WVU athletics history.

The National Coach of the Year honor adds another milestone to an already remarkable season for the Mountaineers, who continue their pursuit of a national championship at the College World Series.

West Virginia opened College World Series play in Omaha as one of the final eight teams remaining in college baseball.