Laz Gutierrez is a seasoned baseball coach and performance specialist serving as the pitching and mental skills coach for the University of Miami Hurricanes baseball program. A native of Miami, Florida, Gutierrez returned to his alma mater in 2024 after previously leading the Nova Southeastern University baseball program as head coach. During his tenure with the Sharks, he guided the team to an 86–63 record, including a 36-win season and an NCAA Regional Tournament appearance. His work mentoring players at Nova Southeastern helped produce multiple all-conference and all-region honorees, solidifying his reputation as a developer of collegiate pitching talent.
Before becoming a head coach at the collegiate level, Gutierrez spent 13 years in the Boston Red Sox organization, where he held roles in player development, scouting, and, most prominently, as mental skills coordinator. In that capacity, he designed and implemented leadership and performance psychology programs that contributed to the Red Sox winning three World Series titles. His extensive professional experience also includes time as a manager and pitching coach in summer and independent leagues. As a player, Gutierrez was a left-handed pitcher drafted in the 13th round of the 1998 MLB Draft and spent three seasons in the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Miami, as well as a master’s and a doctorate in performance psychology, emphasizing his deep expertise in both the physical and mental aspects of athletic performance.
