CHESTERTOWN, Md. – Tom Fiala '14 has been named the fifteenth head coach in Washington College baseball history, it was announced today by Thad Moore, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics.
"We couldn't be happier promoting Tom to our next head baseball coach," stated Moore. "During the interview process Tom's passion and commitment to Washington College and our baseball program set him apart. His vision for the program and plans for achieving this vision align well with our department and we are looking forward to the next chapter of Shoremen Baseball."
Fiala, a 2014 graduate of Washington College, was named the pitching coach at his alma mater in September 2018 and was promoted to assistant head coach in July of 2020. The team has enjoyed an outstanding 80-41 record (.661) during Fiala's tenure.
"It is truly an honor and a dream come true to be able to stay in Chestertown where my home has been for nearly 10 years as a coach and student-athlete," Fiala said. "I want to thank Thad Moore as well as the entire search committee for the opportunity. I also want to thank former coach Cory Beddick for everything that he has done for this program and for me. Washington College is truly a special place for my family and when given the chance to stay here it was the easiest decision of my life. The high-quality student-athletes that I have had the ability to work with over the past four years will continue to push our baseball program to new heights on the field and in our campus community. The bar has been set high for Washington College baseball and with all that the school has to offer for current and future student-athletes. From academics to our first-class facilities, I am very confident the future is bright for the Shoremen!"
Fiala has been active in coaching baseball since his graduation from the school. Prior to his return to Chestertown, Fiala served as the pitching coach at CCBC-Catonsville. While there, he developed and implemented a pitching program for a staff of 14 pitchers and also assisted the head coach in evaluating and developing mental and physical attributes for all student-athletes on the team. Prior to his time at CCBC-Catonsville, Fiala spent three years as a coach for his scholastic alma mater, New Hope-Solebury (Pa.) High School. He saw time as an assistant junior varsity baseball coach before moving up to assistant varsity baseball coach and also served as an assistant varsity basketball coach.
As a student-athlete at Washington College, Fiala improved upon his earned-run average during each of his four seasons, finishing his collegiate career with a 1-0 record in 12 pitching appearances and a career-best 3.68 E.R.A. as a senior in 2014. A Dean's List student, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with minor in Economics from the College in May 2014.
"Our program will have a new identity but the same expectation of winning on the field and in the classroom will remain in place," Fiala concluded. "At the end of the day, baseball will end for 99 percent of these student-athletes. Most importantly, what they have accomplished in their communities and in the classroom will pave the way for success in their lives once they leave Washington College."