In just one transformative year, Steve Sabins has accomplished what few believed possible—elevating the West Virginia University (WVU) baseball program into a powerhouse contender on the national stage. Under his leadership, the Mountaineers have not only broken school records but also shattered expectations across the NCAA, becoming a feared presence as they storm into the College World Series following a commanding performance in the Big 12 Tournament.
When Sabins took the helm as head coach, the program was in need of fresh vision and renewed energy. As the longtime assistant to former head coach Randy Mazey, Sabins brought continuity, but also a hunger to push the Mountaineers to new heights. That blend of familiarity and fire proved to be the perfect combination. Now, WVU’s baseball program stands taller than ever, boasting an unbreakable season record and a surge of pride that’s swept across Morgantown.
### A Record-Breaking Season
Sabins’ debut season as head coach was nothing short of historic. WVU finished the regular season with a school-record number of wins, surpassing 45 victories—a feat no previous team in the Mountaineers’ century-long baseball history had achieved. But beyond the sheer number of wins, it was how they won that drew national attention. The team led the Big 12 in nearly every major offensive category, from team batting average and on-base percentage to slugging and total runs scored.
On the mound, WVU’s pitching staff, once a question mark, became one of its greatest strengths. Under Sabins’ guidance, the team posted a sub-3.00 ERA in conference play—another first. Senior ace Cole Mathis emerged as a legitimate MLB prospect, and freshman phenom Julian Arroyo set a school record for strikeouts by a rookie. Their collective dominance helped the Mountaineers clinch a top seed in the Big 12 Tournament, where they made a decisive run that ended with a championship game victory over perennial favorites Texas.
### Culture Shift and Player Buy-In
What Sabins brought to the clubhouse wasn’t just new strategy—it was belief. Players speak often of his ability to connect, to make every athlete feel valued, and to instill an identity of relentless competitiveness.
“He made us believe that we were capable of more,” said team captain and shortstop Jalen Benjamin. “He didn’t just tell us to play harder—he showed us how to win.”
Sabins emphasized culture from day one: accountability, team-first mentality, and respect for the program’s past. He revived traditions, introduced modern training techniques, and brought in a wave of recruits who fit the new ethos. The players responded, and it showed in every inning.
The Mountaineers, long seen as scrappy underdogs in a powerhouse Big 12 conference, suddenly looked like the team to beat. They swept rivals like Oklahoma State and Baylor, won a series against Texas Tech, and dominated non-conference foes with national rankings. This was no Cinderella story—it was a calculated rise.
### College World Series Bound
With the Big 12 Tournament title in hand and a top-8 national seed secured, WVU enters the NCAA postseason with its highest expectations in program history. In years past, making a regional would have been cause for celebration. Now, anything less than Omaha feels like a missed opportunity.
For Sabins and his players, that pressure is welcomed.
“We want it all,” Sabins said following the Big 12 title game. “This team is built for more than just making an appearance. We’re chasing a national championship.”
WVU’s regional saw them dispatch all opponents with efficiency, including a dramatic comeback win over LSU that earned them a Super Regional berth. That game will likely go down as one of the greatest in school history—down four runs in the ninth, the Mountaineers rallied for five runs, capped by a walk-off home run from junior outfielder Carter Nichols.
Now, with a trip to Omaha officially booked, the Mountaineers carry the momentum of a dream season and the hunger to finish the story the right way.
### Legacy Already Cemented
Regardless of how deep the Mountaineers go in the College World Series, Sabins’ inaugural season has already left an indelible mark. In less than 12 months, he’s turned a respectable program into a national force. He’s shattered the program’s win record, secured a conference title, and brought WVU fans a sense of pride not felt in decades.
Alumni have taken notice. Former Mountaineers are returning to Morgantown to support the team. Attendance at Monongalia County Ballpark broke records. And local youth leagues are buzzing with kids who now dream of donning the old gold and blue.
“This isn’t the end,” Sabins insists. “This is the new beginning.”
With a young core returning and recruiting classes already ranked among the top 20 nationally, Sabins has positioned WVU as more than just a one-season wonder. The Mountaineers are here to stay—and with him at the helm, the sky’s the next level of