LAREDO, Texas – After an exhaustive and thorough nationwide search, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Director of Athletics Griz Zimmermann announced the hiring of Philip Middleton as the new Head Baseball Coach.

"We're excited to bring a coach of Philip's caliber to our Dustdevil Baseball program. He has an outstanding record of building truly successful teams, and I'm looking forward to his leadership in propelling our program to its next level. TAMIU and the Laredo community at large have great pride in baseball here, and we all can't wait to hear 'Play Ball,'" TAMIU President Dr. Pablo Arenaz said.

"We are proud to add a coach with Philip's record of success to the Dustdevil family," said Zimmermann, "His drive and will to win and be successful as well as his knack for recruiting and familiarity with the Lone Star Conference are second to none. The best days for TAMIU Baseball are without a doubt ahead of us."

Middleton brings with him a decade of coaching experience at NCAA Division I, II, and III levels. His history of recruiting and developing talent is impressive, including numerous All-Conference honorees, All-Region selections and conference Players of the Year.

"I am truly honored to become the Head Baseball Coach at Texas A&M International University," said Middleton, "It was apparent to me throughout the interview process that TAMIU has a vision for success and I can't wait to be a part of it.

"I'd like to thank Griz Zimmermann, senior associate director Rocio Garcia, Dr. Pablo Arenaz, and the Search Committee for their efforts and passion for TAMIU Athletics. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to become a head coach and I believe TAMIU is a perfect fit for us.

"I'm especially grateful to my wife, Sara, and daughter, Sally, for their love, support, and dedication to being a baseball family.

"My expectations for the Dustdevil baseball program are high and our standards will never waiver. Our goal is to compete for and win Lone Star Conference championships. We are going to build a program that the University and City of Laredo can be proud to support," he concluded.

Middleton comes to TAMIU after seven successful years at fellow Lone Star Conference (LSC) member Texas A&M-Kingsville (TAMUK), where he served as assistant coach, recruiting coordinator and pitching coach. At TAMUK, he helped lead the Javelinas to over 200 wins, two LSC Championships and three NCAA Regional Tournament appearances.

In 2018, he helped coached the Javelinas to their first College World Series appearance in school history, finishing with 42 wins, a top six finish nationally, eight All-LSC players, the LSC Freshman of the Year and the first MLB Draft pick since 2012.

Since his arrival in Kingsville in the fall of 2013, Middleton recruited and signed over 90 new student-athletes. All of this led to the baseball program holding the best male team GPA in the athletic department, higher graduation rates and increased professional baseball opportunities.

Prior to his time at TAMUK, he served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division III Southwestern University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, as well as a graduate assistant coach at NCAA Division I Sam Houston State University.

A native of College Station, TX, Middleton earned a bachelor's degree from Concordia University Texas and a master's degree from Sam Houston State University.

He is married to his wife of eight years, Sara, and the couple have a daughter, Sally.

A press conference to introduce Middleton will be announced at a later date.