ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – In an announcement made this afternoon by Bryant University, UCF Baseball assistant coach Ryan Klosterman has officially accepted the head coaching position of the Bulldog’s baseball program.
"I could not be happier for Ryan, Kaitlyn and his family," head coach Greg Lovelady said. "To take a job closer to family made it impossible to turn down. His unbelievable work ethic, coaching process, recruiting ability and pedigree make him a great hire for Bryant. He will be sorely missed at UCF. I cannot thank him enough for all the sacrifices and time he put into building our program. A true leader leaves a place better off than when he arrived, and Klosty has done that to an incredible degree. We will miss him and his family, but we know this is an unbelievable opportunity. All of Knight Nation wishes him the best of luck."
Klosterman spent eight seasons on staff at UCF, including the last three under Lovelady. He helped the Black and Gold transition from Conference USA to an established program in the American Athletic Conference.The Knights reached a pair of NCAA Regionals and won The American Regular Season Championship in 2017 during Klosterman’s tenue.
He oversaw infielders and team defense over the course of eight seasons, while he added hitting and recruiting duties for his final four years. His 2018 recruiting class was ranked 16th by Collegiate Baseball and 23rd by Baseball America.
In just eight short years, Klosterman mentored 26 Knights to selections in the MLB Draft, nearly a quarter of the draft picks in program history. Four of his mentees have reached the Major Leagues, most recently Dylan Moore with the Seattle Mariners.
Klosterman is the 10th head baseball coach in Bryant’s history.
A search for his successor will begin immediately.
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