ABILENE, Texas – Steve Coleman has announced his retirement from the Hardin-Simmons baseball program, effective at the end of the season, after a 27-year run leading the program.
"I came to Hardin-Simmons when I was 33 years old and this university has been so good to me," said Coleman. "I have grown as a coach, as a leader, as a husband, parent, grandparent, and strengthened my walk with the Lord. The coach in me always wished we would have won a title or more games, but the most important thing to me is the lasting relationships I have with my players and coaches. Those are the things I cherish the most."
"Coaching mentors have always told me that I would know when it was time and that time has come for me," said Coleman. "I will get to spend more time with my kids and grandkids and I will be the No. 1 fan of the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys. I won't miss 10-hour bus rides or throwing batting practice but I will definitely miss being with the kids every day and trying to have an impact on their life, not just as baseball players, but as young men trying to find their way in this world."
Coleman has a record of 568-537 and has led the Cowboys to the postseason in 19 of the 27 years, including this year. He is the school's all-time wins leader and is the longest-tenured coach at Hardin-Simmons.
At HSU he has coached 97 all-conference players and seven All-Americans. Four times his teams have finished as the runner-up in the conference in 2001, 2005, 2016 and 2023 and have always been a competitive team in the conference. His teams have produced a cumulative GPA of over 3.0 for the last 32 semesters, using a simple philosophy of if you can't do both we will eliminate baseball from the equation.
"I am beyond grateful for all that the Coleman family has done for Hardin-Simmons University," said HSU Associate VP for Athletics Dr. John Neese. "It has been a great professional honor to work side by side with Steve for 27 years. Along with Steve's leadership for our baseball program, Lisa Coleman has been there for almost every home and away game. She has been supportive of our coaches and players every season. It was also special to have Chad and Brad Coleman represent the Cowboy baseball program and graduate from HSU. We will make plans to honor Steve during the Fall 2024 semester. This will allow for many of his former players who are coaches to come back during their offseason to thank him."
Coleman was able to coach his two sons Chad and Brad at Hardin-Simmons and they both still live in Abilene. Brad is married to Lori and they have three children Tucker (who is the HSU batboy) and twins Taylor and Tatum. His biggest supporter has been his wife Lisa, who has been a team mom sitting in her lawn chair next to the dugout for all 27 years.
"I have to thank my family for always supporting me in this," said Coleman. "I also want to thank the Hunter family for all they have done for the program. Especially what Tina and Jud Powell did to build this beautiful indoor facility. I also am grateful for the coaches who have worked with us, but especially Coach (Brad) Holcomb. He has been there almost the whole time through the good times and bad and showed up every day and put in the work. We have had great administrative support and I think I was John Neese's first hire when he came on as athletic director and he has been a great influence on my career."
The Cowboys will open play in the American Southwest Conference Tournament in Marshall on Thursday at 11 a.m. against Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Quotes From Former and Current Players
Lane Brannan, played for Coleman in High School and college.
Coach Steve Coleman has made an immensely positive impact on my life. He is a player's coach, a leader of men, and an exemplary human, husband & father. I don't expect that this will change much in his retirement, it is just the way Coach is. It's been 24 years since I played my last game for Coach Coleman, but in that timespan, I've often found myself asking "What would Coach think, or do?" in my own life situations. I can't think of a better compliment for a mentor than that. Thanks for everything Coach Coleman.
Tyler Brunnemann, former player and Houston Astros Draft Pick
Congratulations on a remarkable career Coach Coleman! Playing for you at HSU was a great honor and you've had a lasting effect on my life and so many others that has extended beyond the baseball field. You gave me a chance that so many other coaches did not and helped me become a better baseball player throughout college. The Hardin Simmons baseball program will not be the same without you, but your legacy and impact will resonate for years to come.
Regan Dixon, All-American Catcher and HSU Hall of Famer
Congratulations on 27 years Coach Coleman! The HSU Baseball program has your fingerprints all over it and wouldn't be what it is today without you. Coach is a leader, and developer of Men. He taught baseball the right way while being able to throw some life lessons in as well. He pushed us to be our best and we're all better for having played for him! I hope retirement treats you well coach!
James Gage, four-year starter at first base
Coach Coleman is one of my biggest role models and mentors. He helped me get through one of the toughest times of my life when my sister got diagnosed with cancer. He is a man of faith who loves to compete. He brought out the good in me and always had my back. I am forever grateful for the four years I got to play for Coach and I'm glad to consider him a lifelong friend.
Luke Kirkbride, current player and three-year starter
Coach has taught me a lot of life lessons. The No. 1 thing I have learned is to keep God first in my life and to keep going and persevere when things aren't going well. He always says everything's jelly but the jar. Coach Coleman is an amazing guy and will forever be one of my favorite coaches and I will always look up to him and most importantly have a relationship with him.
Michael Simpson, HSU Athletic Hall of Famer
Congrats to Coach Coleman on his retirement! Without a doubt, easily the best coach I've ever played for. Most importantly, his impact & legacy spans far beyond the yard. One look around his many former players and you'll find great men adding value to society—both on & off the field. To me, I believe this is his greatest achievement. Job well done coach.
Michael Popino, Four-year starter
Coach Coleman was a tremendous influence in my life that helped shape me into the man, husband, and father I am today. I had the privilege of playing for him for five seasons, and those are some of my fondest memories. He was there for anything anyone ever needed, baseball or otherwise. I am thankful that I went to Hardin-Simmons University and got to spend that time with him. Thank you Coach Coleman for everything you have done for the University, all of your former players, and for me through your many years of service to the program. Congratulations on a long and successful career!