RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Steve Bartlein was named the University of Wisconsin-River Falls head baseball coach Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, announced by Athletics Director Crystal Lanning.
The UW-River Falls baseball program was recently reinstated after a 21-year absence, and the Falcons will be set to compete at the varsity level during the 2024-25 academic year.
Bartlein comes to River Falls after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater since 2017. During his six seasons at UWW, the Warhawks were four-time WIAC Champions with four NCAA Regional appearances with an overall record of 176-52, including an NCAA Super Regional in 2022.
"I am excited to welcome Coach Bartlein to UW-River Falls as our head baseball coach," said Lanning. "He has experienced success as a player and coach within the WIAC, and he knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. His past experience will allow him to make an immediate impact on the recruiting trail as we welcome Falcon baseball back as a varsity sport for the 2024-25 year."
Serving as the Warhawks' recruiting coordinator and academic liaison while leading baseball operations and coordination the Warhawk Baseball Clinic Series, Bartlein was also a lecturer in UWW's Kinesiology/Physical Education Department. In addition, Bartlein is a Field Director at the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Academy, leading itineraries, curriculum, facilities, and camp functions.
A member of the Warhawks' baseball team from 2010-13, Bartlein guided UWW to a pair of WIAC championships and one WIAC Tournament title while reaching the NCAA Tournament four times, including an appearance in the Division III World Series in 2011. A two-year starting infielder, Bartlein garnered first team All-WIAC accolades in 2013 and was a two-time WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team selection. He received a bachelor's degree in Special Education from UW-Whitewater in December 2013 and a master's degree in Health, Human Performance and Recreation in 2018.
"I am both excited and grateful to be the next head baseball coach at UW-River Falls," said Bartlein. "I want to thank Crystal Lanning and the search committee for entrusting me with the reconstruction of this program and development of the student-athletes within it."
Before returning to his alma mater, Bartlein coached at Brookfield East High School, serving as the head varsity coach in 2017. Prior to that he served as head junior varsity coach in 2014, varsity assistant coach in 2015 and 2016 for Brookfield Central High School. He was also an assistant coach at Carroll University during the 2016 and 2017 seasons, working as an infield/hitting coach.