Rich Gawlak is in his seventh season as head coach of the Stockton University baseball program, compiling a 98-91-1 record (.518 winning percentage) in his first collegiate head coaching role. He took over the Ospreys in December 2019 after 11 seasons as an assistant coach at NJAC rival The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Under Gawlak’s leadership, Stockton has posted three consecutive seasons at .500 or better, including 22-win campaigns in 2023 and 2024. The 2024 season marked a milestone as the Ospreys captured their first NJAC regular season championship in program history, with Gawlak and his staff earning NJAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors. His tenure has included competitive schedules and postseason contention, continuing Stockton’s rise within the conference.
Before arriving at Stockton, Gawlak helped TCNJ compile a 279-173 record with five NCAA Tournament appearances and three NJAC championships. Specializing in coaching catchers and hitters, he also served as third base coach. Gawlak has additional experience in collegiate summer baseball, including head coaching roles with the Ocean Gulls and Freehold Clippers. As a player, he competed at Mercer County Community College and TCNJ, earning ABCA/Rawlings Mid-Atlantic Region Gold Glove honors in 2008. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Health & Exercise Science from TCNJ and a master’s degree in Coaching & Athletic Administration from Concordia University (Calif.)
