After leading Murray State Baseball on a historic run that culminated with the program’s first-ever appearance in the Men’s College World Series, head coach Dan Skirka has received a contract extension that will see him lead the Racers through the 2030 season.
Skirka, who has overseen the program since 2019 and has helped the Racers to five consecutive seasons with at least 30 wins, was recognized for his outstanding achievements in 2025 by being named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Mike Martin National Coach of the Year and the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Coach of the Year.
“We are so proud of everything that Dan accomplished with our baseball program this season, and we are beyond excited to have him continue and lead the team into what we know is an extremely bright future,” Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. “Coach Skirka’s record-setting season brought a tremendous amount of exposure for our department and community, and we know that his continued belief and partnership in our shared vision for excellence will allow us to elevate our baseball program to be one of the best in the Missouri Valley Conference and nationally.”
Under Skirka’s leadership, the 2025 squad won a school-record 44 games and locked up the MVC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, the Oxford Regional Championship, and the Durham Super Regional Championship before taking the team to Omaha.
The postseason run brought an unprecedented amount exposure to the University and “America’s Team”, with 44.3 billion impressions and $406 million in Advertising Value Equivalency.
“Coach Skirka and his program helped bring a surge of visibility to our institution and we are thrilled to extend him to continue as our head baseball coach,” University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. “We are looking forward to building on the successes of this past season, and know that he will carry on the tradition of excellence he has created.”
Skirka became the fourth coach in MSU history to reach 200 wins in 2025 following a 16-5 victory over Missouri State on May 15.
“I’m incredibly grateful and honored to continue leading the Racer Baseball program,” Skirka said. “I want to sincerely thank President Dr. Ron Patterson, Director of Athletics Nico Yantko, the Board of Regents, and everyone who played a role in this extension. Their belief in our vision means so much to me, my family, and our staff. There’s real momentum behind this program right now — from the culture we’ve built, to the talent we’re bringing in, to the way our student-athletes compete on and off the field. Murray State is a special place, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward and building something this university and community can be proud of. Go Racers!”
The historic season saw 11 Racers take home All-MVC honors, with Will Vierling (C), Jonathan Hogart (OF), Nic Schutte (RHP) and Isaac Silva (RHP) all picking up first-team nods. Throughout his career, he has had 27 all-conference selections, and saw Connor Cunningham secure Co-Freshman of the Year honors this season.
Hogart was also named a Third Team All-American by D1Baseball, the team’s first All-American since Jordan Cozart was named a Third-Team All-American by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper in 2020.
Under Skirka’s tutelage, Vierling went on to be drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 341st pick in the 11th Round of the 2025 MLB Draft, marking the first time the Racers have posted back-to-back years with at least one player drafted to the pros since 2009-10.
Follow the Racers on Twitter (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics. Follow MSU Baseball on Twitter and on Instagram (@RacersBaseball).
Skirka, who has overseen the program since 2019 and has helped the Racers to five consecutive seasons with at least 30 wins, was recognized for his outstanding achievements in 2025 by being named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Mike Martin National Coach of the Year and the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Coach of the Year.
“We are so proud of everything that Dan accomplished with our baseball program this season, and we are beyond excited to have him continue and lead the team into what we know is an extremely bright future,” Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. “Coach Skirka’s record-setting season brought a tremendous amount of exposure for our department and community, and we know that his continued belief and partnership in our shared vision for excellence will allow us to elevate our baseball program to be one of the best in the Missouri Valley Conference and nationally.”
Under Skirka’s leadership, the 2025 squad won a school-record 44 games and locked up the MVC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, the Oxford Regional Championship, and the Durham Super Regional Championship before taking the team to Omaha.
The postseason run brought an unprecedented amount exposure to the University and “America’s Team”, with 44.3 billion impressions and $406 million in Advertising Value Equivalency.
“Coach Skirka and his program helped bring a surge of visibility to our institution and we are thrilled to extend him to continue as our head baseball coach,” University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. “We are looking forward to building on the successes of this past season, and know that he will carry on the tradition of excellence he has created.”
Skirka became the fourth coach in MSU history to reach 200 wins in 2025 following a 16-5 victory over Missouri State on May 15.
“I’m incredibly grateful and honored to continue leading the Racer Baseball program,” Skirka said. “I want to sincerely thank President Dr. Ron Patterson, Director of Athletics Nico Yantko, the Board of Regents, and everyone who played a role in this extension. Their belief in our vision means so much to me, my family, and our staff. There’s real momentum behind this program right now — from the culture we’ve built, to the talent we’re bringing in, to the way our student-athletes compete on and off the field. Murray State is a special place, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward and building something this university and community can be proud of. Go Racers!”
The historic season saw 11 Racers take home All-MVC honors, with Will Vierling (C), Jonathan Hogart (OF), Nic Schutte (RHP) and Isaac Silva (RHP) all picking up first-team nods. Throughout his career, he has had 27 all-conference selections, and saw Connor Cunningham secure Co-Freshman of the Year honors this season.
Hogart was also named a Third Team All-American by D1Baseball, the team’s first All-American since Jordan Cozart was named a Third-Team All-American by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper in 2020.
Under Skirka’s tutelage, Vierling went on to be drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies with the 341st pick in the 11th Round of the 2025 MLB Draft, marking the first time the Racers have posted back-to-back years with at least one player drafted to the pros since 2009-10.
Follow the Racers on Twitter (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics. Follow MSU Baseball on Twitter and on Instagram (@RacersBaseball).
