NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin has officially welcomed Matt Vanderburg as head coach of the Lumberjack baseball program.
Vanderburg who has spent the last sixteen seasons at West Texas A&M had an overall record of 515-293 during his time in Canyon. In 2024, Vanderburg led the Buffs to a 37-19 overall record and 34-14 record in conference play and was his fourth consecutive season with 30 plus wins.
According to a SFA press release, Vanderburg has recorded two 40-win seasons, three Lone Star Conference Regular Season Titles, three Lone Star Conference Tournament Championships, and nine NCAA Division II Tournament appearances during his tenure at West Texas A&M.
Vanderburg, a Oklahoma native, graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State in 2003 and then graduated from Emporia State in 2005 with his master's degree.
"We are excited to have Matt Vanderburg lead the Lumberjack baseball program into a new era," Michael McBroom, SFA Director of Athletics said. "He's a proven winner, knows how to build a program from the ground up and develops relationships with players and alumni that are genuine. He's a down-to-earth baseball man who isn't afraid of hard work and embraces the task ahead of us. He came in with a vision and a plan that aligns with ours and we will work together to build a championship program for SFA. I've seen him do it before and I'm excited to help him do it again."
"I want to thank Dr. Neal Weaver and Michael McBroom for the opportunity to lead Stephen F. Austin baseball program," Vanderburg, said. "The future is bright for this University and for Lumberjack Baseball. My wife Kathryn and our children, Macy and Mattux, are excited about our move to Nacogdoches to begin transforming SFA into a championship-caliber program. It is going to require dedication and hard work, but I am confident that with the help of our administration, the community and our alumni and fans, we will achieve great success together in the Piney Woods. Let's build a winning tradition and make SFA Baseball a power house!"
Vanderburg becomes just the ninth head coach in Lumberjack baseball history. This hiring comes after former head coach Johnny Cardenas retired following the conclusion of the 2024 season. Cardenas spent sixteen seasons as head coach of the Lumberjacks.
SFA baseball finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 10-44.