Stony Brook University Head Baseball Coach Matt Senk recorded his 970th career victory in the Seawolves’ last game of the season and the final game of his remarkable career on May 17, as SBU completed a three-game sweep of Monmouth, 12-5, at Joe Nathan Field.
Senk, who announced his retirement on May 8, finished seventh among active head coaches in victories and is the only active Division I coach to win 970 games at a single program. He coached 1,666 games at Stony Brook, turning it from a Division III program into a nationally recognized powerhouse that won multiple conference championships and made a storybook run to the 2012 College World Series.
“After 35 unforgettable years on campus, I can honestly say that every moment, every game, and every player has shaped who I am far more than any scoreboard could. I came here to teach the game, but the truth is that I learned just as much from the young men who wore the Stony Brook uniform,” said Senk, who thanked his family for its support and the university for giving him the opportunity to be a head coach. “I’m deeply grateful for their trust, their passion, and the memories we have built together — it’s been the honor of a lifetime.”
“Matt Senk stands as a giant in the coaching profession with a legacy that will stand the test of time,” said Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron. “Throughout his entire career, Matt has done it all with an elite authenticity and unmatched competitive fire. We are forever indebted to him for all that he has invested in Stony Brook and the young men he has coached over his incredible 35-year career.”
Under Senk, Stony Brook made six NCAA Tournament appearances, won six conference tournament championships and seven regular season titles, posted 26 winning seasons, topped the 30-win mark 13 times, and achieved a program-record 52 wins in 2012, which led the nation. Senk ranks 76th all-time in NCAA career wins, is one of just 12 Division I head coaches to eclipse 950 career wins, and is one of only 27 coaches in NCAA history to record 960 or more victories at a single school.
A three-time winner of America East Coach of the Year, Senk was also 2012 NCBWA National Coach of the Year and was inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. His teams also produced 29 Major League Baseball draft picks, with 57 players signing professional contracts, including five in MLB: six-time All-Star Joe Nathan ’97, 2013 World Series champion Travis Jankowski ’12, Tom Koehler ’08, Nick Tropeano ’11 and Daniel Zamora ’15.
The Seawolves earned Senk’s final victory on Senior Day, with a three-run homer by Erik Paulsen and a strong performance by starting pitcher John Rizzo, who earned his fifth win of the season. Stony Brook finished the 2025 campaign with an overall record of 25-27.
For more about Senk’s career achievements, visit the Stony Brook Athletics website.
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