MOUNT VERNON – Robbie Dombrowski is returning to the Midwest Conference as head baseball coach at Cornell College, as announced Tuesday by Interim Director of Athletics Jeff Meeker.
Dombrowski, a 2018 St. Norbert College graduate and three-year starting catcher for the Green Knights, comes to the Hilltop following successful NCAA Division I coaching stints at University of Evansville and Central Michigan University.
Dombrowski begins his new role in Mount Vernon Aug. 1. He replaces Seth Wing, Cornell's all-time winningest baseball coach who led the Rams to 177 victories, five MWC Tournament appearances and the program's first NCAA Regional berth (2019) over 11 seasons.
Wing accepted the head baseball post at Winona State University, his alma mater.
"For a young coach, this is an unbelievable opportunity and I can't wait to get started," said Dombrowski, a native of Delafield, Wis. "I can't imagine walking into a better situation with administration who care about the program. The people are passionate about Cornell athletics. The closeness of the campus community is also a big thing for me."
Dombrowski served as hitting coach during a break-through 2022 season at Evansville. The Purple Aces finished 32-24 overall, placed second in the Missouri Valley Conference and shattered the school record for home runs in a season with 77. Evansville ranked among the league leaders in all offensive categories and landed four all-MVC players under Dombrowski's guidance.
"We are very excited to have Robbie join our team at Cornell," Meeker said. "Robbie's collection of coaching experiences, his coaching philosophy and familiarity with Midwest Conference baseball stood out. Most impressive is his energy and enthusiasm for leading our baseball team. He has a clear vision for success and his approach will impact the young men in our program."
Dombrowski was Director of Baseball Operations at Central Michigan in 2020-21. CMU won the 2021 Mid-American Conference and advanced to the regional final, bowing out with a 42-18 record.
Dombrowski was a four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain at St. Norbert. As a junior, he played a key role on the Green Knights' record-breaking 2017 squad that won the MWC Tournament, qualified for the NCAAs and finished 30-13. Dombrowski compiled career totals of 101 hits, 73 RBIs and 61 runs.
St. Norbert won 94 games and finished 47-17 in MWC play during Dombrowski's four playing seasons in De Pere, Wis. The Green Knights claimed MWC North Division titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Dombrowski played for Tom Winske, the MWC's all-time leader for baseball coaching wins.
"I think my experience in the Midwest Conference is going to pay dividends," Dombrowski said. "My expectation is to win the thing regularly. I know the talent is there to do it. Cornell has the foundation in place."
Dombrowski was a member of the Dean's List and an academic all-MWC performer. He also earned two varsity letters in football for the Green Knights.
Dombrowski earned bachelor's degrees from St. Norbert in biopsychology and communication and media studies. He obtained his master's in sports administration from Belhaven (Jackson, Miss.) University in 2020.
Dombrowski served as hitting and catching coach at Belhaven (2018-19). He returned to St. Norbert in 2019-20 as assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator.
Dombrowski was head coach for collegiate summer teams in the Dairyland Collegiate League, Ohio Valley League and Western Canadian Baseball League. His 2021 team, the Creek Mapaches, won the Dairyland Collegiate League.
Dombrowski attended Kettle Moraine High School in Wales, Wis. He led his prep baseball team to the 2013 state tournament and played in the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-Star Classic.
Dombrowski is motivated to continue his winning ways by instilling a fun culture on and off the field at Cornell.
"I want every kid that comes through our program to feel that they've had the most fun playing baseball in their life," Dombrowski said. "They can expect a high-energy guy that will give them my best effort every day. I want them to know this is their program, just as much as it is mine. I want them to see their full potential.
"There are no limits for Cornell College baseball. We can take this thing as far as we want to go. I want our players to believe that."