After filling in for baseball season, Stefan McGovern gets the top job at West Hills College

McGovern came to West Hills last August and began teaching physical education classes. He is also part of the program review committee, which determines which programs are due for review and which need improvement to continue moving forward.

Prior to West Hills, McGovern coached baseball at Santa Barbara City College, Metro State University of Denver and Menlo College. He was also a field manager for the Rochester Honkers in Minnesota. McGovern has a master’s degree in sports science and is currently working on a second in general psychology.

“We feel very fortunate to have permanently hired Coach McGovern,” said Mark Gritton, athletic director at WHCC. “He understands the big picture of community college athletics. He understands that success is measured in many different ways, and ensuring academic success is a very high priority of his. We look forward to a successful year of recruiting for the baseball program to continue the continuity that Coach McGovern has established.”

One of his goals for the team is to recruit players from not only the Central Valley but other states. He also hopes to improve the existing facility with help from the community. McGovern expects his team to be involved in the community and reach out to residents to keep them informed of upcoming events.

“I hope to create a positive image for our athletic program in this community, with the hope of encouraging the community to support this baseball team so it can achieve success,” he said. “I look forward to this opportunity to remain at West Hills College with a great staff and great people, and bring a winning team to Coalinga.”