Saint Thomas University Women's Softball

PERSONAL Hometown: Miami, Fla. Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Education (St. Thomas, 2015) COACHING EXPERIENCE St. Thomas University – Head Softball Coach (2021-Present) St. Thomas University – Assistant Baseball Coach (2007-2021)   BY THE NUMBERS (STU) 12 All-Sun Conference members Two NAIA Opening Round Appearances One Sun Conference Coach of the Year Award Two Sun Conference Regular Season Championships Two Sun Conference Tournament Championships STU SOFTBALL BIO Coach Gutierrez was named the Head Softball Coach before the 2021 season.. He will be heading into his fourth season leading the Bobcats Softball program in 2024-25. Behind the first 40-win season in program history, the Bobcats entered the national conversation in 2023 with a nationally ranking as high as 19 during the campaign. Gutierrez was named the Sun Conference Coach of the Year with Anna Toon being crowned the Conference Pitcher of the Year after leading the conference in Wins, Saves, ERA and Strikeouts. STU went undefeated in the 2023 Sun Conference Tournament to clinch a spot in the NAIA National Tournament, recording a pair of wins in their opening round bracket. STU recorded their second-consecutive 35-win season in 2023, boasting a 17-6 record at home. The 2022 season was one for the record books as the Bobcats won the most games in a single season (35) and set a new program best to start a season with a 13-game win streak out of the gate. The Bobcats also broke the record for most stolen bases in a single season (120). St. Thomas also made the Sun Conference tournament for the first time since 2015. Gutierrez also had the team receiving votes for the first time since 2013. STU BASEBALL BIO Gutierrez began his coaching career at St. Thomas in the Fall of 2007 as an Assistant Coach handling hitters and catchers under then Head Coach Manny Mantrana for the 2008 season.  With the arrival of Head Coach Jorge Perez in the Fall of 2008, Gutierrez continued his work as an Assistant Coach under Perez, eventually becoming the lead Assistant Coach and Pitching Coach for the Bobcats beginning with the 2011 season.  He has served as STU’s Pitching Coach ever since and added the duties of Head Coach for the JV Baseball program beginning with the 2014 season.   At STU, Gutierrez has helped lead the Bobcats to nine trips to the NAIA Opening Round, including trips to the 2015 and 2019 NAIA World Series Championship Game. His pitching staffs have been among the best in the nation with several of his pitchers drafted in the Major Baseball Draft: Dane Stone (Marlins, 2012), Ricky Claudio (Mariners, 2013) and Emilio Ogando (Royals, 2014) with many more signing free agent contracts.   Gutierrez is a graduate of Miami Coral Park Senior High School and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox out of high school.  He played for Miami Dade College and Broward College before transferring to the St. Thomas University where he played outfield and catcher for Manny Mantrana from 2003-04. He was a key part of the Bobcat team that went to the Southeast Regional tournament in 2004.   Following his college playing career, Gutierrez signed to play professionally with the Baltimore Orioles organization. He played five years as a catcher in the Orioles’ organization. He currently lives in Kendall with his wife Janet and daughters Jayla and Jocelyn. YEAR-BY-YEAR (Softball)   Year Overall Win Pct. Conference Win Pct. Post-Season 2021 14 - 11 .389 8 -18  SUN .538 2022 21 - 23 .447 11-16 SUN .407 2023 35 - 18 .660 14-10 SUN .583 2024 40 - 12 .769 14-7 SUN .667 Sun Conference Tournament Champions, NAIA Opening Round Appearance Overall .736 .726