LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Nick Garritano has been hired as the new head coach of the UNLV baseball program, Director of Athletics Erick Harper announced today.
Garritano arrives at UNLV after a highly successful 16-year tenure as head coach at the College of Southern Nevada, where he led one of the nation's premier junior college baseball programs. Since taking over the Coyotes in 2011, Garritano compiled a 632-271 record and guided CSN to multiple conference championships, regional titles, and NJCAA World Series appearances. Along with his duties as the Coyotes head coach, Garritano was named CSN's Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation on July 1, 2025.
"Nick Garritano is a proven winner, a respected leader, and a true Rebel," Harper said. "His record of success speaks for itself, and he has a deep connection to UNLV and the Southern Nevada community. Nick has developed championship programs, prepared young men for success on and off the field, and built lasting relationships throughout Las Vegas. We are excited to welcome him back to campus to lead our baseball program and write the next chapter of Hustlin' Rebel baseball."
A former Rebel student-athlete as a kicker and UNLV Hall of Famer, Garritano, 53, returns to campus after building a decorated coaching career at both the collegiate and high school levels. During his time at CSN, Garritano guided the Coyotes to a pair of Western District Championships and two NJCAA World Series appearances (2017 and 2024). His teams captured numerous Scenic West Athletic Conference and Arizona Community College Athletic Conference titles while consistently earning national rankings, including preseason No. 1 status entering the 2021 season.
Garritano was named the SWAC Coach of the Year seven times, Western District Coach of the Year twice, and earned the ACCAC Coach of the Year in 2025. Under his leadership, CSN produced 22 MLB Draft selections, eight NJCAA All-Americans, and more than 190 players who advanced to four-year programs. Off the field, Garritano emphasized academic excellence and player development. CSN teams maintained a cumulative GPA above 3.0 in 23 of the last 24 semesters and produced 60 NJCAA Academic All-Americans.
"The opportunity to take over the UNLV baseball program is truly a dream come true," Garritano said. "Having lived in Las Vegas for 48 years, I grew up watching and supporting every aspect of UNLV Athletics, creating a lifelong connection to the University. My passion for the Rebels deepened when I played football at UNLV, proudly representing my hometown school on the field. Being inducted into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame was an honor I never thought could be matched, until this moment.
"After coaching at Green Valley High School and the College of Southern Nevada for the past 28 years, leading the baseball program at UNLV brings my journey in our wonderful community full circle. I am truly grateful to President Chris Heavey and Athletics Director Erick Harper for providing me with the opportunity to inspire the next generation of Hustlin' Rebels."
Before transitioning to the collegiate ranks, Garritano spent 12 seasons as head varsity baseball coach at Green Valley High School, where he built one of Nevada's top prep programs. He led the Gators to Nevada state championships in 2001 and 2003 while compiling a 316-118 record. His teams earned national rankings on multiple occasions and produced 10 MLB Draft picks and six high school All-Americans.
Garritano also served in several additional coaching roles during his time at Green Valley, including assistant football coach and women's golf coach. His 2002 girls golf team won a Nevada state championship and set a national record with 132 consecutive dual-match victories. In recognition of his contributions to athletics in Southern Nevada, Garritano was inducted into the Southern Nevada Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also inducted into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010 as both an individual and as a member of the Rebels' 1994 Big West and Las Vegas Bowl championship football team.
A 1991 graduate of Chaparral High School in Las Vegas, Garritano was a standout two-sport athlete. He was a First Team All-State football selection at three positions (guard, punter, and placekicker), earning Honorable Mention All-America honors as a kicker. In baseball, he was a two-time First Team All-State third baseman and a key member of the 1991 Nevada State Champion team, as well as the 1991 American Legion Player of the Year. He also competed in wrestling during his freshman and sophomore years.
Garritano earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from UNLV in 1995 before later completing a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Phoenix. He was a four-year starting placekicker for the Rebels (1991-1994), finishing his career as the second-leading scorer in program history. He held over 10 school records, including the longest field goal (54 yards, twice) and most points in a single season. In 1996, he participated in the San Francisco 49ers' minicamp.
Garritano and his wife, Camille, have a son, Nicky, a 2026 UNLV graduate and member of the Hustlin' Rebels from 2025-26, and a daughter, Ava.
