ABILENE - Abilene Christian University (ACU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Blaze Lambert to Associate Head Coach for the ACU baseball program. Lambert has been a cornerstone of the Wildcats' success since joining the coaching staff in 2019, serving as the team's recruiting coordinator and playing a pivotal role in the program's consistent growth.
Over the past four seasons (post-covid), Lambert's efforts have propelled ACU baseball to new heights. The Wildcats have amassed 134 wins, averaging 34 victories per season (2021-24). This means the Wildcats have become one of just three non-Power 5 programs in Texas to achieve 30+ wins each season in the last four years. Lambert's keen eye as recruiting coordinator finds talent and understanding of what it takes to succeed at ACU have been instrumental in building competitive rosters that have not only won games but also produced professional athletes.
Under Lambert's guidance, the Wildcats have notched impressive victories against some of the nation's top programs, including Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Michigan State.
The team's success in conference play has been equally noteworthy, with ACU finishing second in the WAC in 2024. In their post-covid era, ACU's pitching staff averaged 518 strikeouts per season— the second-highest for non-power five schools in Texas.
In addition to on-field success, Lambert's impact extends beyond the diamond. His leadership has fostered a culture of academic excellence, with the team boasting a 3.36 GPA over the last 12 semesters. Moreover, the Wildcats have been recognized for their commitment to community service, contributing over 1,000 hours in 2024 alone.
Head coach Rick McCarty expressed his enthusiasm about Lambert's promotion.
"I'm excited to announce the promotion of Blaze Lambert to Associate Head Coach," McCarty said. "Blaze has been a critical piece for the growth of our program since arriving in 2019. He has been a model of consistency which has shown up in multiple areas on and off the field."
Lambert has guided four players to earn conference Player of the Year honors: Luis Trevino in 2019, Colten Eager in 2021, Grayson Tatrow in 2023, and Brett Lanman in 2024. The consistent emergence of standout players under Lambert's leadership is becoming a hallmark of the program. With four players drafted and three others signing with professional organizations in the past two years, Lambert's prowess in recruiting is undeniable. It continues to make a significant impact, with the next step forward being Western Athletic Conference Champions.
McCarty goes into detail about what Lambert has done for not just the program, but for the individuals that he specifically recruits.
"Each year we have been able to beat some of the state's best brands, which wouldn't be possible without a tough and talented roster," said McCarty. "He understands what a good player looks like, but also knows what an ACU student-athlete needs to be to reach their ceiling as a player while on campus.
"We have had 10 players sign professionally, multiple conference Players of the Year, multiple All-Americans, and a conference championship — all of which helps us continue to move forward as a program. I am grateful for everything he brings to the table and looking forward to taking another step forward together in 2025."
As Lambert steps into his new role as Associate Head Coach, the Wildcats are assured to continue their upward trajectory in the 2025 season and beyond.
