USF ATHLETICS GoUSFBulls.com
The former first-round MLB Draft pick was named the USOC and USA Baseball Volunteer Coach of the Year in 2018
TAMPA, July 12, 2019 – Head coach Billy Mohl is happy to announce Karsten Whitson as his newest volunteer assistant baseball coach.
Joining Alan Kunkel, Whitson is the second addition to a revamped and impressive staff under Mohl. Whitson has spent the last two years as an assistant coach at Pensacola State College, where he managed and developed the pitching staff. Whitson also will assist with the pitching staff at USF.
“I am excited to announce the newest member of our staff, Karsten Whitson,” said Mohl. “Karsten’s background will be a huge asset in helping develop our pitching staff. His experiences include being a first-round draft pick out of high school, a two-time All-American at the University of Florida who competed in Omaha twice, and an 11th-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2014. He also has coached some of the best players in the country while being a pitching coach for the USA Baseball U18 National Development Program. We are glad to have him as part of the Bulls family.”
Whitson served as a stripes pitching coach with the USA Baseball U18 National Development Program in 2018. He has been an associate scout with the Minnesota Twins since January of this year and was a pitching coach with the Bismarck Larks of the Northwoods League in 2017.
The former first-round MLB Draft selection of the San Diego Padres in 2010 was a member of the USA National U18 team in 2009. He went on to play at the University of Florida from 2010-14 and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He played in the Red Sox organization until 2016.
Whitson was part of two SEC Championship teams and two College World Series teams during his time at Florida. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and was a two-time collegiate All-American. He was also named the Perfect Game Pitcher of the Year and was a gold medal recipient at the COPABE “AAA” Pan American Championships during his playing career.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to have the opportunity to join Coach Mohl’s staff,” said Whitson. “I am eager to begin helping each pitcher develop into their best self in an effort to add to the winning culture Coach Mohl and the athletic department foster here at USF.”
The Florida native was named the USOC and USA Baseball Volunteer Coach of the Year in 2018. He was also an Assistant Coach of the Year nominee in 2017 for the Larks. Whitson graduated from Florida in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in family, youth and community sciences.
What’s being said about Whitson
Lance Carter: former MLB ALL-Star for the Rays…
“I’m very happy for Karsten and his family for this opportunity to help mentor and guide the student-athletes at the University of South Florida. Karsten is a high character individual that was eager to learn and I truly enjoyed working with him during his time as a Red Sox minor league pitcher. He will bring energy and enthusiasm to the Bulls program. Through his experiences as a DI college pitcher, as a professional baseball player and a work ethic to learn and grow, USF has added an outstanding individual to the staff.”
Kevin O’Sullivan – head baseball coach, University of Florida…
“Karsten is a great fit for the University of South Florida. Karsten is a tireless worker and will easily connect with the student-athletes at USF. Karsten is a rising star in our profession and will have an immediate impact at USF.”
Troy Cameron – USA Baseball U15 National Team Manager, St. Thomas Aquinas Head Coach…
“Karsten is one of the best young coaches you are going to find. His ability to relate to millennials and today’s players is uncommon. USF has a rock star in Karsten leading their pitching staff.”
About USF Baseball
The University of South Florida baseball team is one of the fastest rising programs in the country. The Bulls reached the NCAA Regionals in 2015 for the first time in 13 years and followed that success with a 42-19 record and second NCAA regional trip in three years in 2017. The Bulls continued the success under first-year head coach Billy Mohl in 2018, reaching 36 wins and advancing to the semifinals of the conference tournament for the first time since 2012, while being ranked in multiple polls for the final two months. USF earned its third NCAA Regional berth in the last four seasons and had six all-conference selections in 2018. The team had four players drafted in the 2018 MLB Draft, including the program’s fourth first rounder, Shane McClanahan. Junior third baseman David Villar was taken in the 11th round after tallying 24 doubles and hitting better than .370, being named first team all-conference and an All-American. The USF Baseball program has won five conference titles and the Bulls have made 13 NCAA appearances.
Follow the baseball team on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
– #GoBulls –
Patrick Puzzo
Assistant Director of Communications
University of South Florida Athletics
GoUSFBulls.com
Twitter: @USFBaseball | @USFVolleyball | @USFSailingTeam
