University of Charleston Men's Baseball

Head coach Dean Peterson will be entering his third season at the helm of the Golden Eagle’s staff.  2025 saw the Golden Eagles capture an 8th consecutive MEC South title while five members of the squad were named to the All Conference team. In Peterson’s first year at UC, the team set a program record for wins, captured the Mountain East Conference Championship, and had nine players earn all conference honors while JD Armstrong and Casey Finck were named to the All Region team. Prior to coming to Charleston, Peterson worked with the baseball program at Frostburg State University. He spent three seasons at FSU, where he served as an assistant coach and pitching coordinator. In his role, Peterson worked with the pitching staff, coordinating their yearly throwing and development plans along with developing a leadership curriculum for his athletes. Coach Peterson implemented new strategies to improve the mental game of the Bobcat players, adding yoga and somatic movement to their routine. In the 2023 season, Peterson led three athletes to All-Region recognition, two of whom were key members of the Frostburg pitching staff, and Jack Maruskin who went on to sign with the Baltimore Orioles. Maruskin, a former two-way player for the Bobcats, focused on pitching under Peterson, and credits him for helping him reach the professional level. The Bobcats pitching staff as a whole finished 9th in the D2 ranking in strikeouts per nine innings in their 2023 season. Peterson came to Frostburg after serving as Assistant Coach and Pitching Coordinator at his alma mater, Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. He had previously coached at Allegheny following his professional playing career, from 1999-2001, while finishing his degree in political science. He helped lead the 2000 Allegheny College baseball team to one of the most successful seasons in the program's long and storied history.  The Gators finished with a 38-10 record, and remain the only Allegheny team to advance to the NCAA Division III World Series, where they finished third after being edged in the semifinals by eventual national champ Montclair State. The Gators had three pitchers with at least seven wins and eight of their pitchers carried an ERA of 4.60 or lower. Nine Gators were named All-North Coast Athletic Conference, including four First Teamers, highlighted by NCAC Pitcher of the Year Jeff Mountain. Mountain was one of five Gators who went on to earn All-Region Honors, and Mountain and Brad Hensler were subsequently named All-Americans. Pitcher Josh Sharpless went on to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003. In 2006, the right-hander made his debut with the ball club, posting a 1.50 ERA in 14 appearances out of the bullpen.  After finishing his degree, Peterson set sail on a new career path in 2002 and became an officer and technician with the United States Secret Service, where he served for eleven years. Peterson provided protection for the President, Vice President, and Foreign Dignitaries, along with conducting investigations of criminal activity. While in the Secret Service, Peterson returned to school and obtained a master of divinity degree in pastoral counseling from Liberty University. After he left the Secret Service, Peterson spent three years as a vocational pastor, providing counseling and teaching, training and hiring staff, and providing leadership to small group leaders in the church. He was also the chaplain for the Hagerstown Suns, a minor league affiliate of the Washington Nationals, from 2013-2019, providing support, encouragement and weekly chapel services for the players and umpires. Peterson also returned to coaching during this time, working with the Smithsburg Baseball Club, Smithsburg High School, and Messiah College. Peterson began his baseball journey as a student-athlete at Allegheny College as a pitcher for the Gators. Even though he was only there for three seasons, he concluded his shortened college career as one of the most dominant closers in NCAA Division III history. He finished with 26 career saves, which were the second most in D-III lore at the time, and still stands as a school record. In consecutive seasons, 1992-93, he led the nation in saves, posting nine in 1992 before turning in a school and then-NCAA record 12 saves in 1993. His 1993 season saves record (12) still stands at the college, as well as his single season ERA (0.96) and career ERA (2.21). His performance his junior season was enough to draw the interest of professional scouts, as the Boston Red Sox drafted him in the ninth round (247th overall) of the 1993 Major League Baseball draft following his junior campaign.  He spent five seasons in the Red Sox organization, where he competed with and against many future MLB players. Peterson finished his career with a 4.26 ERA across all levels. He struck out 308 batters in his 435.2 innings pitched in his five seasons played. He posted a career professional record of 24-28 with 11 saves and a 4.26 ERA. Originally from Cortland, OH, Peterson graduated from Matthews High School in 1990. He grew up loving time on his great-grandparents’ farm, and of course playing baseball. He has been married to the love of his life for 25 years, who has been a constant source of love and support to him. They have 3 amazing sons. He considers his faith and his family as the most important part of his long resume and exciting life path.

Mason Thomas is entering his first year as the Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Charleston. Prior to joining the Golden Eagles, he spent two years as a collegiate pitcher and outfielder at Clark state College.  Thomas began his coaching career with USA Prime and scouting career with NSR in 2022. 

Trevor comes from the city of Murrieta, California. In 2023, he proudly earned his bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation, marking the successful completion of an inspiring journey. But Trevor's quest for knowledge and personal growth doesn't stop there; he has set his sights on pursuing a master's degree in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Business Leadership. Trevor's college career commenced at Cypress College, where he spent two fulfilling years and actively engaged in playing sports, honing his skills on the field. Seeking new challenges and experiences, he made a bold decision to transfer to Western Carolina University, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Cullowhee, North Carolina. At Western Carolina University, Trevor embraced a new chapter of his life, further enriching his academic and athletic pursuits. Driven by his passion and dedication, Trevor spent the last two years showcasing his talents at Frostburg State University. His time there not only shaped him as an exceptional athlete but also allowed him to cultivate valuable friendships and connections.

Kyle Watson is entering his third year with the Golden Eagle Baseball program. He serves as the Director of Mental Performance, Infield Coordinator and works with the hitters. Off the field, Watson plays a vital role in recruiting and scouting reports. Watson has 18 years of coaching experience at various levels of the game. He was a head baseball coach at the high school level in Texas for 11 years combined at two schools including Mount Enterprise HS and Keller Central HS. He was also a varsity assistant coach at Ballinger HS, Allen HS and Central HS. Along with his high school experience, he also managed a professional independent ball team in Colorado Springs with the Colorado Springs Snow Sox in 2021 and has also coached in several collegiate summer leagues including the MSCL in Dallas/Ft. Worth. The Texas Collegiate League in Frisco, TX and the Alaska Baseball League with the Mat-Su Miners as their hitting and defense coach in Palmer, AK. Along with coaching high school baseball he also coached football in the state of Texas for 14 years at various levels and won a 5A State Championship in 2013 with the Allen Eagles. The Odessa, Texas native is married to Debra, and they have five children, Kameron, Hannah, Jakeb, Evan and Aly. Watson graduated from Odessa Permian High School and McMurry University, where he pitched for four years. He has also obtained a master’s degree in Sport Psychology, co-wrote Inside the Diamond , a book on mental performance for beginners in baseball, and owns Diamond Intel – a company designed to bring performance enhancing tools to players and coaches.

Carter Lyles is entering his second year as the Pitching Coach at the University of Charleston. Prior to joining the Golden Eagles, he spent five years as a collegiate pitcher — two seasons at West Virginia University and three at Marshall University — competing at the NCAA Division I level. Lyles began his coaching career at Charleston in the 2024 season, where he worked with the pitching staff in areas of Biomechanical development, and game preparation.  While baseball has played a central role in his life, Lyles considers his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to be the most important part of his journey — and ultimately, the most important part of his resume. His coaching is shaped not only by his playing and great experience, but also by a commitment to serving others with integrity, purpose, and humility. He continues to support the program’s goals through a focus on player growth, team accountability, and day-to-day consistency.

Evan Ulrich is a Graduate Assistant Coach for the University of Charleston Baseball program, where he serves as the Catching Coach while supporting the hitters, recruiting, and the team’s daily operations. A former Division I player and four-year starter at Charleston, Ulrich brings a well-rounded perspective to the Golden Eagles—balancing firsthand experience with an analytical, team-first approach. A native of Ostrander, Ohio, Ulrich began his collegiate career at Ohio State before transferring to Charleston, where he became a key contributor at and behind the plate. Over 146 career games (120 starts), he hit .312 with 115 hits, 24 doubles, 14 home runs, and 81 RBIs in 369 at-bats. He reached base at a .413 clip and slugged .491, while drawing 51 walks. Defensively, he threw out 38% of attempted base stealers and was trusted to lead the pitching staff through high-pressure moments. Ulrich is currently pursuing a Master’s in Strategic Leadership and a Master’s in Business/Data Analytics at Charleston. He also contributes to the program’s creative direction through his background in graphic design, helping to elevate Charleston Baseball’s brand and recruiting presence both online and on the field.

Joe Simonetta is entering his first year on the Golden Eagle Baseball coaching staff and his fourth year overall with the program. He serves as the Graduate Assistant and Director of Strength & Conditioning and Nutrition. In this role, Simonetta oversees all facets of the team’s athletic performance, including customized training programs, in-season and offseason development, speed and power training, recovery protocols, and individualized nutrition planning. He also assists Carter Lyles and the pitching staff. Simonetta brings a versatile background in performance coaching, player development, and baseball-specific strength and conditioning. A former Division II athlete himself, he played three seasons at the University of Charleston, giving him firsthand insight into the physical and mental demands of collegiate baseball and the culture of the Golden Eagle program. His coaching philosophy is rooted in evidence-based performance enhancement, sport-specific movement, and long-term athlete development. He has designed and implemented offseason and in-season training systems tailored to position groups, with a focus on durability, explosiveness, hypertrophy, and injury prevention. He also plays an active role in player monitoring, hydration and fueling strategies, and supports physical readiness and return-to-play throughout the year. Off the field, Simonetta contributes to recruiting and program operations, bringing a competitive and holistic mindset to the student-athlete experience. A Leesburg, Virginia native, Simonetta earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Charleston and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Strategic Leadership. He is on track to become a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach. This is his first year in coaching and a continuation of his commitment to developing elite-level athletes within the Golden Eagle Baseball program.

Dave McPhail is entering his seventh year with the Golden Eagles Baseball Program. He serves as the Director of Operations. In addition to daily operations, McPhail plays a vital role in Player Development, instate recruiting, and Warbird Camps. The Charleston, WV native is married to Tina, they have one daughter Emily, a 2022 UC Nursing graduate. McPhail attended Charleston Catholic High School and Marshall University.