Ricky Santiago enters his third season as a member of the Nova Southeastern coaching staff in 2019, having recently been promoted to Director of Player Development after serving as a volunteer coach during his first two years.
Working primarily with the infielders and hitters, Santiago has played a major role in the development of multiple players who have gone on to be selected in the MLB Draft, including catcher Jake Anchia, who was picked by in the seventh round of the 2018 draft by the Seattle Mariners.
During his tenure, the Sharks have twice reached the NCAA Tournament, and in 2017, led the nation in home runs with a program-record 97 overall.
Santiago is gracious for his first coaching opportunity offered to him by Coach Brown, and attributes his early success as a byproduct of learning from a "true hitting genius".
Prior to his arrival at Nova Southeastern, Santiago had an impressive four-year playing career at Florida Atlantic, where he was named a Louisville Slugger All-American in 2015. During his senior season, Santiago led the Owls with eight home runs and also ranked among the leaders in Conference USA in: doubles, RBI, runs scored, and slugging percentage.
Santiago grew up in nearby Pembroke Pines, Fla.
