SVSU names former CMU and Saginaw Nouvel CC coach Steve Jaksa as its new head baseball coach

University Center, MI:

Saginaw Valley State University director of athletics John Decker announced at a press conference this afternoon that recently retired Central Michigan University head baseball coach Steve Jaksa (who also won two MHSAA state championships while coaching at Nouvel Catholic Central HS prior to coaching at the collegiate level) has been hired as the Cardinals' fifth head baseball coach in program history.

"Coach Jaksa is a proven winner," Decker said. "He has been successful at every level and we are confident that he will continue that tradition here at Saginaw Valley. We are extremely pleased that Coach Jaksa has brought his coaching and teaching talents to our University and that he will be leading our student-athletes and baseball program into the future." 

Back in June, Jaksa announced he would be retiring after 16 seasons as the Chippewas head coach, where he ranks second in wins with a 507-421-2 overall record.

Jaksa, a native of Grand Blanc who also won a 1990 class C MHSAA state baseball championship and a 1997 class B MHSAA state baseball championship while coaching at Saginaw Nouvel CC high school is excited to return, noting his strong roots in the area, while putting an emphasis on building a team-first culture at SVSU.

"I would like to thank director of athletics John Decker and the selection committee for this tremendous opportunity here at Saginaw Valley State University," Jaksa said.

"Throughout the process it was clear that Mr. Decker's goals and mine aligned well for the future success of the program. I know the student-athletes are looking forward to embarking on this journey that starts now. Together, we will create a team-first culture and play with a passion that will allow us to achieve excellence, on and off the field. I am thrilled to return to Saginaw, where I have strong ties in the area. This program has great potential and I look forward to working with the players and leading the way in competing for championships on a regular basis."