BETHANY - Southern Nazarene University announced on Friday the hiring of former Crimson Storm baseball player Grant Ledbetter as the new SNU Head Baseball Coach. Ledbetter spent the last season as the assistant coach of the Crimson Storm under Robert Lee.

"I am so gracious and excited for the opportunity to be the next baseball coach at Southern Nazarene," said Ledbetter. "This school and baseball program have been such a blessing to me and my family, and we'd like to thank everyone who has continued to pour the love of Christ into our lives over the years." 

"I cannot think of any more important job for SNU than to make sure the right people are in place to lead our young student athletes," said Athletic Director Danny Thomason. "As we began to look for a new head coach for SNU Baseball, the same person kept rising to the top. I could not be more excited that Grant Ledbetter will be the next Head Baseball Coach for SNU."

Ledbetter pitched for the Crimson Storm from 2005 through the 2008 seasons and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's in sport management. He also earned a master's in business administration from SNU, which he completed in 2009. He also played two seasons of professional baseball from 2008-2009, pitching for the Edmonton Capitals and Reno Silver Sox in the Golden Baseball League. 

"I would especially like to thank Coach Robert Lee for allowing me to be a part of his amazing coaching staff this past season," added Ledbetter. "The countless hours and years that he has spent serving his players as well as the values he has instilled in us cannot be replaced."

After playing professional baseball, Ledbetter got his first coaching gig as the head baseball coach at Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City. He coached the Knights from 2009-2011 and helped them win the 2010 OKC All-City Championship. He also served as an assistant football coach during his time with Northwest Classen.

In August 2011, Ledbetter became the head baseball coach at Harrah High School, where he also was an assistant coach for the football team. He coached the Panthers from 2011-2013 and helped lead the team to a district championship in 2012.

Ledbetter moved on to Bethany High School in August 2013 and served as the head baseball coach and assistant softball coach for the Bronchos. His tenure with Bethany carried into the Spring of 2016 as he helped lead the Bronchos to state tournament appearances in 2014 and 2016.

In May 2016, Ledbetter took the coaching position at Edmond North High School and served as the head baseball coach until the Spring of 2018. He helped lead the Huskies to a state tournament appearance in 2018 and was named the OCABCA Coach of the Year.

Ledbetter was named the head coach for the OCABCA North All-Star Team in 2011 as well as 2018. 

"Coach Grant Ledbetter's extensive preparation, pursuit of excellence, and commitment to discipleship makes him an outstanding selection to lead  the SNU's baseball team," said SNU President Dr. Keith Newman. "I look forward with great anticipation to see how God uses him in this assignment."

Ledbetter is married to his beautiful wife Lindee, and they have two kids, Levi and Archie.