Joe Urso Named National Coach of the Year

GREENSBORO, N.C. – University of Tampa head baseball coach Joe Urso has been named the 2026 ABCA/ATEC NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year, the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and ATEC announced on Wednesday.

Urso earns the prestigious national honor after guiding the Spartans to their third consecutive NCAA Division II National Championship and eighth national title during his tenure as head coach. Tampa's 2026 championship was the program's 11th NCAA Division II national title, the most of any program in Division II history.

The 2026 season added another chapter to one of the greatest dynasties in college baseball history. The Spartans became the first NCAA Division II program to win three consecutive national championships and just the second program in NCAA history, regardless of division, to accomplish the feat.

Under Urso's leadership, Tampa posted its third straight 50-win season and claimed its sixth consecutive Sunshine State Conference championship before capturing the NCAA South Regional, Super Regional and national championship in Cary, North Carolina.

"This honor is a reflection of our entire program and everyone who has contributed to our success," said Urso. "Our players, coaches, support staff, administration, alumni and fans have all played a significant role in building something truly special at the University of Tampa."

Urso, who was also named the ABCA South Region Coach of the Year, has firmly established Tampa as the gold standard in NCAA Division II baseball. Since taking over the program in 2002, he has led the Spartans to eight national championships (2006, 2007, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2024, 2025 and 2026), 11 Sunshine State Conference championships and numerous regional crowns.

Earlier this season, Urso and associate head coach Sam Militello recorded their 1,100th career victory together, another milestone in one of college baseball's most successful coaching partnerships.

With the 2026 title, Tampa now owns 11 NCAA Division II National Championships (1992, 1993, 1998, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2024, 2025 and 2026), the most of any program in Division II history.

The 2026 ABCA/ATEC National Coaches of the Year will be honored on Friday, Jan. 8, 2027, during the ABCA Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

About the ABCA

Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.

About ATEC Sports

ATEC Sports manufactures industry-leading training equipment and machines for elite baseball and softball programs. From training machines to tees, nets and screens, ATEC sets the standard when it comes to equipment today and is the Official Training Equipment of Major League Baseball. You can learn more about all these products – including the revolutionary M3X training machine – at http://atecsports.com.