Dear USF Community: USF Athletics shared the following press release today.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – University of San Francisco Athletics has announced that following a national search, Rob DiToma has been named head baseball coach.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Rob to USF," said Charlie Cross, Vice President, Business and Finance. "Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our university and his proven track record of making the most of his opportunities impressed the search committee. Rob will bring the community together both on and off the field in his efforts to further the storied success of the USF baseball program."
DiToma comes to USF as the fifth head coach in program history after spending the previous three seasons at FarleighDickinson University, where he was head coach of the Knights since June 2019. In 2022, DiToma led the Knights to their best record since 2016. Overall, the team finished 16-11 in conference play and fourth in the Northeast Conference standings. Notably, four student-athletes earned All-NEC Honors in 2022: Hunter D'Amato (First Team), George Rosales (First Team), Tom Ruscitti and Joey Kosowsky (Second Team).
"I want to thank Fr. Fitzgerald, Frank Allocco and the entire search committee for their belief in me," said DiToma. "It is a dream come true to be the head coach of the storied, proud and prestigious baseball program here at the University of San Francisco. I want to thank Brad Hurlbut and his administrative team at FDU along with all of my players…Without their support and efforts, this opportunity would never have come to be. I am extremely excited to get to work. We will bring an exciting brand of baseball to Benedetti Diamond and make the strong alumni base, amazing university and great city proud."
Prior to his time at Farleigh Dickinson, DiToma spent six years at Fordham University, where he served as the associate head coach for his last two seasons with the Rams. In 2019, DiToma helped guide Fordham to an Atlantic 10 Championship and back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998. Overall, DiToma's offensive philosophies on the basepaths proved to be top notch as the Rams led the nation in stolen bases for two straight seasons. In addition to his role as associate head coach, DiToma was a successful recruiting coordinator for the Rams. DiToma's efforts landed perennial award-winning talent, including 2018 A-10 Rookie of the Year Jake MacKenzie.
Before his time at Fordham, DiToma spent four years at Iona College, serving as the team's hitting instructor and recruiting coordinator. In four seasons with the Gaels, DiToma guided Iona's offense to some of its most productive seasons in the last decade. In 2010, the Gaels posted their highest batting average and slugging percentage while also scoring the most runs in their previous 10 seasons. Notably, four of his hitters from that team received All-MAAC honors, including three first team honorees.
Under the direction of DiToma, the program also started the Iona Elite Skills Camp, an instructional camp designed to train high school players and provide athletes with position-specific instruction.
Prior to his four-year stint at Iona, DiToma coached for one season each at both Siena and Temple. DiToma graduated from Mercy College in 2005 and went on to earn a master's degree in physical education from Manhattanville College in 2007, where he helped guide his team to the 2007 Skyline Conference Championship.
DiToma's own playing career includes four years at Mercy College as the starting second baseman, where he was elected team captain during his senior year. As a junior, he batted .309 and was named an All-NYCAC selection.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT DITOMA
"I'm thrilled for Rob and his family as the Dons have hired a tremendous leader for their baseball program. As someone who was fortunate to watch the rebuilding process up close at FDU, Rob will be meticulous in establishing a culture everyone can be proud of. We can't thank Rob enough for his efforts in Burgundy and Blue and look forward to following USF baseball." - Jason Young, Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, Farleigh Dickinson University
"The Don's gain is sincerely FDU's loss. Rob did a terrific job of restoring respectability to our baseball program in three short seasons. At the same time, he changed the culture of the team in a much needed and very positive way. We wish Rob and his growing family great success at USF. He will be missed!" - Bradford Hurlbut, Director of Athletics, FarleighDickinson University
"This is a great hire for USF! Rob DiToma is a proven recruiter who has recruited all over the country and was instrumental in landing some of our top performers during his time at Fordham. Rob is tremendous at developing talent, building a strong culture, game management and connecting with his players. He is a tireless worker who will not stop until he succeeds." - Kevin Leighton, Head Baseball Coach, Fordham University
For updates and more information on the USF baseball program, be sure to follow @SFDonsBaseball on Twitter, @USFDonsBaseball on Instagram and @University.of.San.Francisco.Baseball on Facebook.