Kolin Conner was named the head baseball coach at Indiana University Kokomo on July 1, 2025, bringing with him 13 years of collegiate coaching experience and a proven track record of program development, competitive success, and student-athlete achievement. Prior to arriving at IU Kokomo, Conner spent 10 seasons at Concordia University Chicago (CUC), where he served as both head assistant coach and later head coach. During his time as an assistant, he helped guide the program to NCAA Division III World Series appearances in 2017 and 2018—the first two in school history. Those experiences, along with a decade of coaching and recruiting at the collegiate level, helped establish Conner as one of the respected coaches in the Midwest.
In his inaugural season leading the Cougars in 2026, Conner guided IU Kokomo through one of the most challenging schedules in the region. The Cougars faced 23 games against teams that ultimately qualified for their respective national tournament regionals, including 10 contests against programs that advanced to the World Series. The demanding schedule began with eight consecutive road games against three nationally ranked opponents, all of whom were ranked among the top 15 teams in the country. Despite the difficult slate, IU Kokomo finished sixth in the River States Conference standings, earning a berth in the conference tournament and an opportunity to compete for a championship. The challenge continues in 2027, as the Cougars are scheduled to open their season on the road against defending NAIA National Champion Tennessee Wesleyan.
While immediate results are important, Conner has emphasized a long-term vision for sustained success. His philosophy centers on building a self-sustaining culture by recruiting student-athletes who are eager to be coached, challenged, and developed both on and off the field. Through that approach, he has focused on laying a strong foundation for the future of IU Kokomo Baseball while maintaining a competitive standard within one of the nation's toughest conferences.
Conner arrived at IU Kokomo following a highly successful tenure at Concordia University Chicago. He joined the CUC coaching staff in 2015 as head assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, serving in that role through 2019 before being promoted to head coach. During his time as an assistant, he played an instrumental role in the program’s rise to national prominence, helping guide the Cougars to their first two NCAA Division III World Series appearances while assisting in the development of numerous award-winning student-athletes.
As head coach from 2019 to 2025, Conner built upon that success by cultivating a culture centered on competitiveness, accountability, and academic excellence. His final season at the helm was among the strongest in recent program history, as Concordia Chicago posted a 26-16 overall record and a 16-8 conference mark in 2025. Under his leadership, the program consistently competed at a high level while producing standout performers both athletically and academically. His teams included recipients of the prestigious Terry Schubert Award and AW Gross Award, while the baseball program earned the highest team GPA among Concordia’s men's athletic programs in each of his final six seasons as head coach.
Throughout his six-year tenure as head coach, Conner mentored 25 All-Conference selections and seven All-Region honorees, including an ABCA Division III Region All-Defensive Team selection. His commitment to the complete development of student-athletes was equally evident in the classroom, where his programs produced 72 All-Conference Scholar-Athlete selections, one Academic All-American, and 14 CSC Academic All-District honorees. The consistent academic success of his teams reflected the standards he established and his belief that excellence in the classroom is an essential part of the student-athlete experience.
Before assuming the head coaching role, Conner was a key contributor during one of the most successful stretches in Concordia Chicago baseball history. As assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, he helped develop five All-Americans, four conference Players of the Year, and eight All-Region performers while playing an integral role in the program’s sustained national success.
A native Hoosier, Conner graduated from North Central High School before beginning his collegiate playing career at Lincoln Trail College. He later transferred to St. Joseph’s College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies in 2013. Following graduation, he continued his playing career professionally in the Frontier League with the Joliet Slammers and Evansville Otters before transitioning into coaching.
Known for his player-centered approach, strong recruiting background, and commitment to building championship-caliber cultures, Conner has quickly established a clear vision for the future of IU Kokomo Baseball. His emphasis on relationships, player development, and sustained excellence continues to shape the direction of the program as it strives to compete at the highest level within the NAIA.
Conner and his wife, Lyndsey, reside in the greater Kokomo area with their two children, Leo and Layla.
