STOCKTON, Calif. – On Thursday morning, Pacific Athletic Director Adam Tschuor introduced Toby DeMello as the 21st Head Coach in Pacific baseball history, bringing a familiarity with the WCC, the NorCal landscape and five years of power four experience to Stockton.

"I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead Pacific Baseball," DeMello said. "I want to thank President Callahan, [Athletic Director Adam] Tschuor, and Deputy Athletic Director Wes Yourth for their confidence in me and for entrusting me with this program. My family and I are excited to join the Pacific community. We're ready to get to work building a program that develops great players, great people, and competes at the highest level."
 
The hiring comes in the wake of former Head Coach Reed Peters' unfortunate passing, leading Tschuor to find the one he believes can build on the legacy Peters left behind.
 
"This has undoubtedly been a very tough time for our program with the untimely passing of Coach Peters. His legacy and the unprecedented accomplishments he, our staff, and student-athletes achieved this past year were at the forefront of our hearts and minds as we looked for the next leader of the Pacific Tigers baseball program," Tschuor said.
 
"I know we have found that in Toby DeMello.  His ties to the region, infectious enthusiasm for the University of the Pacific and our region, innovative and modern ideas for the future of the program, and lastly his respect and belief in maintaining what Reed and our team has built this past year and take it to the next level with an immediate value on retention and cohesion sold us on him being the next leader of the Tigers."

DeMello's last five years have been spent within the University of Arizona's program where he started out as a volunteer assistant coach for two seasons before receiving a promotion to full-time assistant coach in 2023 as the program's hitting coach while also working with the catchers.

During that span, his offenses consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous in the country, highlighted by the 2023 campaign in which Arizona finished the season top-30 in home runs, top-20 in runs, top-15 in batting average, hits, and scoring, top-10 in slugging percentage, third in doubles and second in triples.

With his help, UA made a College World Series appearance in 2025 and set single game records in home runs (8) and extra base hits (16) against Utah Valley in the regional portion of the tournament. In addition to the deep tournament run, Arizona won the Big-12 conference tournament in its inaugural season in the conference as well as the 2024 Pac-12 conference tournament.

Beyond the diamond, DeMello's work with the hitters and catchers produced 19 All-Conference selections, four All-Americans and three first round MLB Draft picks – one of whom has already reached the MLB in Daniel Susac (San Francisco Giants).

Prior to his stint in Tucson, DeMello was just up the road at Sacramento State for four seasons as the program's assistant coach and director of operations. His time there was marked by the program's 2019 WAC conference tournament title and subsequent appearance in the NCAA Tournament – just the third appearance in Sac State history.

DeMello has also made stops at Occidental College and Sierra College.

As a player, he is no stranger to the West Coast Conference after playing four years at Saint Mary's, where he would parlay a Johnny Bench Award Semifinalist honor into a 29th round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2012. The former catcher would spend three seasons in the Mariners' minor league system before transitioning to the Frontier League in 2015-16 as a member of the now defunct Southern Illinois Miners.

DeMello will make his debut in the orange and black when the team returns to competition in the spring of 2027.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING…
MICHAEL EARLEY, Texas A&M Head Baseball Coach… "Congratulations to Toby DeMello and his family on this well-deserved opportunity. He's a natural leader with one of the best work ethics of anyone I've been around. Everywhere he's been, he's built elite offenses and made a tremendous impact on the people around him. Pacific is getting an exceptional baseball coach, but an even better person. I have no doubt he'll build a first-class program and represent the university at the highest level. I couldn't be happier for him and this opportunity."

KEVIN VANCE, San Diego State Head Baseball Coach… "I've had the opportunity to get to know Toby over the years, and I can say without hesitation that Pacific made an outstanding hire. Toby is one of the brightest young coaches in college baseball with a rare ability to develop players, build meaningful relationships, and create a culture where people are challenged to become the best version of themselves. His passion, work ethic, authenticity, and attention to detail are contagious, and his players respond because they know how much he genuinely cares. He's a relentless competitor with a clear vision for building a championship program the right way, and I have no doubt he'll have a tremendous impact on Pacific Baseball for years to come."

AARON WALTON, Lake County Captains Outfielder (Cleveland Guardians Organization)… "Super pumped for Toby and his family! I am thankful for all the time, energy, and belief that he poured into me. He has made a huge impact on me as a player and a person. He will have a ton of success and I'm excited to watch!"

ADONYS GUZMAN, Salem RidgeYaks Catcher (Boston Red Sox Organization)… "Throughout my two years at Arizona, Coach Toby was a crucial part of my development! On the defensive end, he helped me truly understand what it meant to be a catcher. He held me to an extremely high standard and taught me the importance of being a leader behind the plate. On the offensive end, he helped me have a career year in 2025. All in all, Toby is one of the greatest coaches I've been around. I'm excited to see him flourish as a head coach!"

REGGIE CHRISTIANSEN, Sacramento State Head Baseball Coach… "I couldn't be happier for Toby and his family. Toby is one of the brightest young baseball minds in our game. His ability to lead young men and connect with them individually are qualities that are hard to find. His passion for this game and work ethic are off the charts. I can't think of someone more prepared for this opportunity."

MARK ORR, Athletic Director at Sacramento State… "Congratulations to University of the Pacific and to Toby DeMello for being named the new head coach of Tigers baseball. I've known Coach DeMello from his years as a student-athlete at Saint Mary's College and as coach at Sacramento State, and I have no doubt he will lead with character, integrity, and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes. Pacific baseball is gaining not only a winning coach, but a terrific leader and role model. I am confident that Toby DeMello will make a lasting impact to the University and Stockton community."

CHIP HALE, Arizona Head Baseball Coach… "I want to congratulate Toby DeMello on this well-deserved opportunity. He was an instrumental member of our staff and played a vital role during his five seasons here. He is an outstanding coach, mentor, and person, and I couldn't be happier to see him earn the opportunity to lead the program at Pacific. Toby is a tireless worker who genuinely cares about the development of his student athletes, both on and off the field. He has a tremendous baseball mind, a passion for teaching the game, and the leadership qualities that are essential to building a successful program. I have no doubt he will make an immediate impact at Pacific, and his players will thrive under his guidance."

DANIEL SUSAC, San Francisco Giants Catcher… "Toby helped me tremendously on both sides of the ball. He took my catching game to another level and made me a better hitter each week. The challenges that he gave me during the week in the cage and on the field helped me perform when it mattered most on the weekends."

#PacificProud