Matt Midkiff, formerly an assistant baseball coach at Swarthmore, has been named the College's new head baseball coach. Midkiff, who starts today, returns to the College after serving as the head baseball coach at Eastern University for the past four seasons.

"We are excited to have Matt returning to the baseball program as our next head coach," says Marian Ware Director of Physical Education and Athletics Adam Hertz. "We were impressed at what he was able to accomplish at Eastern in such a short period of time and we look forward to him continuing that success here."

Midkiff succeeds Stan Exeter, who resigned in June to take the head coaching position at Ursinus College.

"I am thrilled to be back at Swarthmore to lead the baseball program," Midkiff says. "I would like to thank Adam Hertz and the search committee for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing community. I look forward to continuing the tradition of Swarthmore baseball and taking the program to the next level."

At Eastern, Midkiff resurrected a struggling baseball program, guiding the Eagles to a pair of 20-win seasons during his four-year tenure. Midkiff was named the Freedom Conference Coach of the Year in 2010 after leading the Eagles to a school-record 21 victories, which marked an 18-game improvement from the previous season. During his stint at Eastern, Midkiff also served as director of marketing and promotions and designed the baseball program's first alumni game and spring break community service project.

Prior to Eastern, Midkiff served as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Swarthmore for two seasons (2007-08). During his two-year stint as assistant coach, Midkiff helped recruit seven student-athletes that would go on to earn All-Centennial Conference honors over their careers. Midkiff was also the department's strength and conditioning intern, developing a strong collaborative relationship with coaches, student-athletes, and administrators.

A native of Brandon, Fla., Midkiff played collegiately at the University of South Florida and Wilkes University. While at Wilkes, Midkiff was named First Team All-Freedom Conference Utility during his junior season. After graduating from Wilkes, Midkiff remained at his alma mater to begin his baseball coaching career and earn his MBA in marketing.

Midkiff lives with his wife Kelly, who was a four-year letter winner in lacrosse at Old Dominion University.