MOBILE, Ala. – Spring Hill College Director of Athletics Joe Niland announced the promotion of Fernando Gonzalez to head coach of the Badgers baseball program. Gonzalez becomes the next leader of the program after serving the past two seasons as an assistant coach on the Hill.

"Fernando has a strong background in the game of baseball, and his being part of our program here at Spring Hill will help ensure a smooth transition." Joe Niland said, "He is also familiar with the Gulf South Conference, which will be beneficial as we prepare for our move into the conference in 2027-28."

Gonzalez moves into the leadership role after two seasons on staff under former head coach, Walker Bullington, where he supported recruiting efforts, player development, and the day-to-day operations of the program. While on staff, he was part of a Badgers program built on consistency and competitiveness. Traits that need to only grow as Spring Hill prepares for its upcoming transition into Gulf South Conference play.

"I am grateful to Athletic Director Joe Niland and the hiring board for the trust and opportunity to lead this storied program," Gonzalez said. "I'm thrilled and honored for the opportunity to be the head baseball coach at Spring Hill College. I am committed to building a championship culture around developing the athletic abilities and character of our student-athletes by giving them the tools to reach their full potential. I look forward to partnering with the alumni base and local community to continue the success of Spring Hill Baseball together. I would like this chance to thank my family and friends, former coaches, teammates, colleagues, and student-athletes for their help in shaping the person and coach that I am today."

Gonzalez said his approach is centered on developing the whole student-athlete while maintaining a high standard within the program. He operates with an intense coaching style that demands maximum effort from everyone involved, including himself, while also adjusting his approach based on individual needs within the team.

"That intensity blended with a softer approach when necessary allows me to coach to a broad spectrum of personalities," Gonzalez said.

On the field, Gonzalez wants Spring Hill to play a fearless, relentless, and aggressive style of baseball. A former pitcher himself, he emphasizes the importance of short memory and mental toughness, teaching his players to flush mistakes quickly and focus on the next pitch. That mindset, he said, is critical at a high level of competition. Within the program's culture, traits such as respect, punctuality, and preparation will be non-negotiable standards.

Gonzalez's goals look to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term program growth. In the short term, he aims for Spring Hill to compete at a high level in its final season of SIAC play, positioning the program for a strong transition into the Gulf South Conference. Long term, he hopes to elevate the Badgers into a nationally recognized NCAA Division II program that consistently competes with the top teams in the country.

For Gonzalez, success will extend beyond wins and losses. Gonzalez stated "Success in this program is going to be measured in many ways. Having student-athletes graduate, growing outside of baseball, and striving to get closer to the best version of ourselves". 

Before joining Spring Hill, Gonzalez spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Thomas University. His coaching background also includes collegiate summer baseball experience with the Florence Flamingos of the Coastal Plain League in 2023 and the Winchester Royals of the Valley Baseball League in 2022, along with time spent developing prospects with FTB Puerto Rico.

A native of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Gonzalez also brings a strong playing background to the program. He pitched professionally for the Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rican Winter League and represented Puerto Rico in the Premier12 international tournament. He also spent the 2016 season with the Gary SouthShore RailCats, posting a 3-1 record with 28 strikeouts over 54.2 innings pitched.

At the collegiate level, Gonzalez was a standout at the University of West Alabama after transferring from East Central Community College. During his senior season, he earned All-America, All-Region, and All-Gulf South Conference honors while going 10-2 with a 1.96 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 96.1 innings pitched.

Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.