MEDFORD, MA (August 12, 2024) – Tufts University Director of Athletics John Morris has announced Bryan Stark as the next head coach of the Jumbo baseball team.
"We couldn't be happier about Bryan joining the Tufts Athletics family and leading the Jumbo baseball program," said Morris. "He is a relationship-focused and student-centered coach who loves the game of baseball, and he has a genuine passion for academic excellence, competitive success and developing student-athletes for life after college."
"With his impressive breadth of playing and coaching experience in Division I and III, I am confident Bryan will advance and build upon Tufts baseball's long-standing tradition of excellence in all aspects of the student-athlete experience," said Morris.
"I'm humbled to become the next head coach at Tufts University," said Stark. "I'd like to thank John Morris for navigating this process and for giving me the opportunity to lead this storied program… my wife, daughter and I am thrilled to be joining the Jumbo community!"
Stark was most recently the Associate Head Coach at Division I Harvard University, spending the last 10 years in Cambridge with the Crimson. During his time at Harvard, he served as the Recruiting Coordinator and was promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2019. He helped recruit six players drafted in MLB Draft and also coached teams that set program records in home runs (2019) and field percentage (2017).
In addition to the team record, Stark helped assist student-athletes in setting individual school records in hits, home runs and RBI. The Crimson earned one All-American, one Ivy League Player of the Year and one USA Baseball National Team player during his tenure at Harvard.
Prior to his time at Harvard, Stark was an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy from 2012-2014. While with the Midshipmen, he helped organize recruiting efforts while coaching multiple All-Patriot League honorees including 2014 Patriot League Player of the Year Kash Manzelli.
Stark is also no stranger to the Division III level, as his first two coaching stops were in the NCAA's largest division. Stark was an assistant coach at the University of Rochester from 2011-12, helping in all aspects of coaching while implementing recruiting and practice plans for the Yellowjackets.
The first coaching stop for Stark came at his alma mater of SUNY Oswego, where he coached following his graduation in 2010. While on the sidelines with the Lakers in 2011, he helped with all aspects of the program including recruiting, practice plans and fundraising.
Stark has also served as general manager of the Youses Orioles, the Baltimore Orioles' collegiate summer league affiliate, and as the head coach of the Brockton Rox of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, where he was named Manager of the Year in 2014.
As an undergraduate at SUNY Oswego, Stark was a four-year player for the Lakers and two-year captain. He was named as an All-SUNYAC honoree, while also earning the Dan Dalbis Award which is presented to a player that displays perseverance, dedication and attitude. Stark graduated with a B.S. in Health and Wellness Management with a minor in Health Science and Coaching in 2010.
Coaching is also in the blood for Stark, who's grandfather Pat Stark had a legendary career as a football coach at such stops as Syracuse University, University of Rhode Island, Harvard and finally at the University of Rochester.
"The history and tradition were a large draw for us," said Stark. "The genuine care and commitment from everyone on campus came to light while going through the process. The overall dedication and "want to" win were very evident and something we are very excited to become a part of. The drive will be to invest in one another as people and teammates all the while maintaining the daily discipline to keep this baseball program in national discussions."
What They're Saying About Stark
"I am excited for Bryan and his family to have this opportunity at Tufts. He is clearly ready to lead a program that through the years has excelled. I am forever grateful for all Bryan provided to the student-athletes and baseball program during his time on O'Donnell Field and beyond. Bryan is extremely passionate about the overall experience of young adults, and he will continue to flourish as a mentor to many as he joins the Jumbo Family. He has clearly left a positive impression for our program, and we will miss him dearly as a colleague and friend." - Bill Decker, The Joseph J. O'Donnell Head Coach for Harvard Baseball
"Coach Stark is a tremendous hire for Tufts University and its baseball program. He has an outstanding baseball mind, a tireless work ethic, and most of all he is simply one of the best human beings you will encounter. I have the greatest confidence that Coach Stark will continue the outstanding baseball tradition that has been established through the years at Tufts University." – Paul Kostacopoulos, Former Head Coach, United States Naval Academy
"Very excited for Bryan, his family and Tufts University as they hired a great coach, mentor, teacher and person. With a program that has so much graduation and history, Coach Stark is a great fit for the future of Jumbo Baseball! Division III baseball got better today with this hire and I am very excited for Bryan!" – Joe Reina, Head Coach, University of Rochester