Galveston College names Matt Gardner baseball head coach

Galveston College has named Matt Gardner as the new head coach of the Whitecaps baseball program, bringing an accomplished collegiate baseball coach to Galveston and ushering in a new era for Whitecaps baseball.

 

"We are excited to welcome Matt Gardner to Galveston College and the Whitecaps family," said GC Athletic Director, Kelly Raines. "Matt has coached at the highest levels of collegiate baseball and has a proven record of developing student-athletes, building successful programs and competing on the national stage. His experience, leadership and commitment to excellence make him the ideal person to lead our baseball program into its next chapter."

 

Gardner arrives at GC with more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience and a track record of success at every level of the game. Most recently, he served as pitching coach at the University of Houston during the 2026 season after spending 12 seasons on the coaching staff at Texas Tech University.

 

"I'm very excited and honored to have the opportunity to be the next head baseball coach at Galveston College," said Gardner. "My wife and our family are thrilled to become part of the Galveston College community. I'm looking forward to investing in the lives of our student-athletes, helping them grow both on and off the field, and building a program that our college and community can be proud of."

 

During his tenure at Texas Tech, Gardner helped establish the Red Raiders as one of the nation's premier baseball programs. Texas Tech advanced to four College World Series appearances, five Super Regionals and eight NCAA Tournament appearances while capturing the 2019 Big-12 Championship.

 

With an ability for developing pitchers, Gardner mentored 37 Major League Baseball Draft selections during his time in Lubbock. Under his guidance, Texas Tech pitching staffs consistently ranked among the best in the Big-12 Conference, while numerous players advanced to professional baseball careers.

 

The Red Raiders posted four consecutive 45-win seasons from 2016-19 and made back-to-back College World Series appearances in 2018 and 2019, helping elevate the program to national prominence.

 

Prior to Texas Tech, Gardner served as pitching coach for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League and spent two seasons at Lubbock Christian University, where he helped guide the Chaps to 79 victories, national rankings and multiple MLB Draft selections.

 

Gardner also coached at Oklahoma State University, his alma mater, where he worked with pitchers and catchers as a graduate assistant and assistant coach. During his time on the Cowboys' staff, Oklahoma State produced 21 MLB Draft picks and several All-Big 12 performers.

 

In addition, his coaching experience includes assistant coaching positions at Midland College (2010) and Ranger College (2009), providing valuable experience within the junior college ranks.

 

As a player, Gardner was a standout pitcher at Oklahoma State from 2006-08. He earned All-Big 12 honors and Academic All-Big 12 recognition while helping lead the Cowboys to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, a Super Regional berth and three straight 40-win seasons.

 

A native of Andrews, Texas, Gardner earned a bachelor's degree in education from Oklahoma State University in 2008.

 

Gardner and his wife, Laiken, have three children.

 

For more information about the Galveston College Whitecaps Baseball program, email kraines@gc.edu, call 409-944-1315, or visit www.gcwhitecaps.com.