By: Daniel Cook, Director of CBU Athletics Communications & Digital Media
RIVERSIDE - California Baptist University softball has hired its third head coach of the Division I era, as Brandon Telesco is set to take over the program this summer.
"I would like to thank Dr. Ellis and Dr. Parker for the opportunity to represent such a prestigious university. I am honored to lead this growing program. With faith at the forefront, I believe this program can achieve greatness," said Telesco when commenting on his new position. He added, "California Baptist softball has a strong record of success, and I am eager to do everything I can to bring championships to Riverside!"
"We had tremendous interest in this position, including multiple coaches in the NCAA tournament. Brandon's name kept coming up in our research about recruiters who would fit our mission. His reputation as a hitting coach was also something that stood out to us," remarked Vice President of Athletics Dr. Micah Parker. He added, "he loves the Lord and our mission. We are excited to see where our program can go under his leadership."
Telesco spent the past two seasons as Associate Head Coach with Cal as the recruiting coordinator and leading all offensive strategy. His efforts contributed to the Golden Bears increasing their win totals and offensive stats in the past two years. Since his arrival, the Golden Bears have improved at the plate, seeing noteworthy increases in batting average, runs scored, extra-base hits, on-base percentage, stolen bases, and bases on balls.
These offensive upticks resulted in Cal leading two major conferences in major offensive categories in 2023 and 2024. The Golden Bears paced the Pac-12 in home runs, doubles, and slugging percentage in 2023 and led the Atlantic Coast Conference in doubles this past season. These improvements helped two Golden Bears earn All-American status, five players earn All-Region honors, six were named all-conference, and a pair signed professional contracts.
Prior to his arrival in Berkley, Telesco spent one season in Gilbert, Arizona, leading the Park University Buccaneers to a multitude of program records. A significant result of those records was a 22-game improvement in the win column, which earned him and his assistants the honor of being named the NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year in the NAIA for 2023.
As a team in 2023, the Buccaneers set school records in just about every offensive category, including runs (287), hits (425), doubles (75), triples (13), home runs (22), RBI (250), walks (120), sacrifice bunts (32) and stolen bases (103).
Before Park University Gilbert, Telesco spent three seasons as the associate head coach, recruiting coordinator, and hitting coach for the softball program at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Ariz. While at SMCC, Telesco helped turn around a program that had finished last in its conference (ACCAC) before his arrival into a nationally ranked NJCAA program.
The Cougars set a school record for winning percentage with a 25-9 record (.735) in his second season before posting program bests in home runs, hits, and runs scored in his third year. South Mountain batted .406 as a team in 2021 and swiped 142 bases to lead all ACCAC teams.
Telesco is a 2018 graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in organizational leadership. Brandon and his wife Marisa will reside in Riverside, along with their new son Giovanni.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
"Great hire by CBU softball. A program and university that has grown in success will be led by a passionate, high-energy, and bright upcoming head coach in Brandon Telesco. Brandon is a man of high character and faith. He will be the perfect fit to lead CBU softball."
- Andy Stankiewicz, USC Baseball Head Coach
"Brandon Telesco is a super leader that has a great passion for the game. He's a proven recruiter who is already known as a dynamic young coach. He will definitely bring energy and a positive mindset to whatever he does. Congratulations to CBU for a home run hire!"
- Shannon Hayes, GCU Softball Head Coach