Jan. 26, 2007
Davis, Calif. - Longtime UC Davis baseball coach Matt Vaughn, entering his 14th season on the Aggie staff, has been elevated to the role of associate head coach, head coach Rex Peters has announced.
Vaughn, who primarily works with the pitchers, began his coaching career with UC Davis in 1994 under legendary coach Phil Swimley. During his tenure, Vaughn has coached 19 players, including 11 pitchers, who went on to sign professional contracts. Nine of his players have earned a total of 11 All-America honors and three have been named West Region Pitchers of the Year.
In 2004, one of his protegés - left-hander Michael Potter - captured California Collegiate Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year accolades. In Vaughn's tenure as pitching coach, five of his pitchers have been selected as conference pitcher of the year.
"In 14 years with the Aggie baseball program, Matt has definitely developed into a great coach and this promotion justifies that and takes him to the next level," said Peters. "He's a dedicated, loyal and intelligent person who understands the intricacies of running a Division I baseball program. He's well respected by his pitchers as well as every other member of the team."
As a pitcher for the Aggies from 1989-92, Vaughn won nine games while starting 26 and relieving in 11 others. He was an honorable mention All-Northern California Athletic Conference selection his senior year and won his last four decisions as an Aggie, including his final three starts.
In addition to his successes at UC Davis, Vaughn also was one of six coaches named to the USA Baseball support staff for its 1997 National Team Trials in Tampa, Fla., where he assisted in player evaluation and development. Internationally, Vaughn spent two summers working for Major League Baseball International in Europe. In 1992 he served as a baseball envoy to Czechoslovakia and Poland. He was also the pitching coach for the Great Britain National Team in 1994 as they played in the European "B" Pool Championships.
The Aggie baseball team begins its 2007 season on Feb. 6 as it travels to Santa Clara for a 6 p.m. game with the Broncos.
