Andrew Checketts signed a contract extension that will keep him as head coach of the UC Santa Barbara baseball team through 2029, Director of Athletics Kelly Barsky announced Monday.
Checketts has been at the helm since 2011, leading the Gauchos to a 374-214-4 record in his 11 seasons, giving him the highest career winning percentage in program history.
During his tenure, the Gauchos have won two Big West Championships and represented the community on the national stage at seven NCAA Regionals, reaching their first-ever College World Series in 2016.
“Coach Checketts exemplifies the role of coach, educator, and leader,” Barsky said. “His strong vision, attention to detail, and commitment to student athletes, the campus and community have grown UC Santa Barbara Baseball into a nationally recognized and competitive program.
“He has assembled an exceptional staff, engaged a very talented group of student staff to support the operation and focus on student athlete holistic development. I’m thrilled that Andrew, Michelle and his family will remain in Santa Barbara and we will continue to build on our shared vision.”
Under Checketts’ tutelage, UCSB has produced 59 Major League Baseball draftees, 11 All-America selections, 12 Freshman All-America picks, and 82 All-Big West honorees.
The Gauchos have been picked to finish first in The Big West again in 2023, and five players have earned Preseason All-America and All-Conference recognition.
“My family and I have loved our time in Santa Barbara and feel grateful for the opportunity to continue to be a part of the community,” Checketts said. “I’m excited to work with Kelly to grow our program. There are so many amazing assistant coaches, players, support staff, and donors that have contributed to the success of the program and I am thankful for their contributions that make this possible.”
Season number 12 of the Checketts era begins later this week in Surprise, Arizona, where the Gauchos will take part in the Sanderson Ford Classic. They’ll play Minnesota, New Mexico and Oregon State (Checketts’ alma mater), from February 17-20.
UCSB will play their home opener the following week, welcoming Oregon to Caesar Uyesaka Stadium for a four game series, Feb. 24-26.