Heading into a new era of WKU baseball, the program has taken on some dramatic changes. 

Athletic Director Todd Stewart’s decision not to retain Matt Myers as head coach has ushered in new Head Coach John Pawlowski and several new assistants in what Stewart has said is an attempt to help Hilltopper baseball regain the heights it reached earlier this decade. 

Pawlowski’s baseball career originally started when he was a player at Clemson University.  After graduation, he saw time in the MLB as a member of the Chicago White Sox, California Angels and Baltimore Orioles. He then moved on to coaching stints at Clemson, Arizona State, College of Charleson, Auburn and most recently San Diego State. 

“I’m very excited to be here and be part of Western Kentucky University and part of the family,” Pawlowski said. “I’m looking forward to having many great moments here.”

In his 14 years spent between Auburn and the College of Charleston as a head coach, he compiled 505 wins. 

As the preseason is set to start very soon, Pawlowski will lead the rest of the coaching staff in having the squad focused on several things, namely competition and teamwork. 

“Our focus this preseason is creating competition between all of our players,” Pawlowski said. “Competition is the best way to truly get the most out of your abilities, so we will be encouraging competition greatly. 

“We also really need to evaluate where we are as a team right now,” Pawlowski said. “We need to find our expectations as a team so when spring gets here we have team goals to strive for.” 

Pawlowski will bring with him two more new faces to WKU; both are assistants who have experience under Pawlowski at other universities. 

Coach Ty Megahee will serve as the Hilltopper’s new recruitment coordinator and infield coach. Megahee spent time as an assistant coach under Pawlowski at Auburn. 

Coach Rob Reinstetle will be the hitting/outfield coach. He spent time under Pawlowski at the College of Charleston.  

“I am very lucky to have the assistant coaches that have come in with me,” Pawlowski said. “In order to be successful you must surround yourself with people who truly want to succeed in life no matter what aspect of daily living it is.” 

Megahee and Reinstetle will bring a renewed sense of desire to the baseball team: It’s coming off a disappointing 2015 season that saw them finish 24-28. 

“Both of these men are very passionate and very competitive. [They] truly love the game and will give everything they have for it,” Pawlowski said. “They also know how to correctly teach the game and they really know how to recruit.” 

Also new to the staff are former WKU baseball player Devin Kelly as a volunteer assistant coach and WKU alum Gaston Glasscock as the director of baseball operations. 

“Being a former player at WKU, Kelly understands what it means to wear the WKU uniform and be a student-athlete on the Hill,” Pawlowski said. “Gaston is also very familiar with the program and has a strong work ethic that will help us continue to move the program forward.

“At the end of the day,” Pawlowski added, “Conference-USA is a great challenge for this team as there are several baseball powerhouses. These new additions to the staff are truly good people to help me take on this challenge.”