Joe Mercadante was tabbed as the fourth head coach in program history as announced by director of athletics Nick Morrow Friday, June 23.
Mercadante's most recent stop was at the University of Pittsburgh where he was the assistant coach from 2021-23, his second stint with an Atlantic Coast Conference team after working with the University of Miami for seven seasons.
A native of Gainesville, Fla., Mercadante has extensive Florida roots having spent 17 years in coaching within the Sunshine State across five different collegiate programs at the Division I, high school and travel ball levels.
A great hitting instructor and recruiting specialist, Mercadante worked primarily with the program's hitters and outfielders while assisting in the nationwide recruiting initiatives for Pitt. Each season the Panthers worked their way to the ACC Tournament in one of the nation's top leagues, while making the semis in 2022 and developing all-league outfielder Kyle Hess.
Prior to that, Mercadante spent four years in the opposing dugout at Stetson University as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Hatters. During that stint, SU hosted a regional and eventually went to the 2018 Super Regionals, finishing just one win shy of the College World Series. That Stetson team achieved as high as a No. 7 ranking nationally, finishing with 48 wins.
Mercadante's recruiting success while at Stetson was set up by a 13-year stretch between stops with the Central Florida Gators (2013-17), UCF Knights (2011-12) and Miami (2004-11). The Gainesville, Fla., native came to Stetson after four years with the Central Florida Gators where he helped three players to Under Armour All-American game and Perfect Game All-American game appearances.
The magical 2018 season at Stetson wasn't the only year that Mercadante was part of a No. 7 nationally ranked mid-major, as the 45-17 UCF Knights were ranked as high as No. 7 during the 2012 season. The dynamic UCF offense finished in the top 40 in the country in scoring, runs, hits, home runs per game, stolen bases and walks. Ronnie Richardson, D.J. Hicks and Darnell Sweeney were all picked up in the MLB Draft that season.
His first stop in the NCAA coaching world began with a seven-year stretch in Coral Gables as a volunteer assistant and eventual assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes. During that period the Canes made the NCAA Regionals seven times, four super regionals and a pair of College World Series. Eight all-americans and four MLB First Round Draft picks were produced in well-known major leaguers Ryan Braun, Yonder Alonso, Jemile Weeks and Yasmani Grandal. His work expanded to managing the Jim Morris Baseball Camps and national-scale recruiting for the ACC stalwart.
Mercadante attended P.K. Yonge in Gainesville before helping Jefferson Davis Community College to a Junior College World Series berth. After one year at Delgado Junior College in New Orleans, Mercadante finished up his collegiate career with the Gators and hit .471 off the bench.
Mercadante and his wife, Katie have two sons, Roman and CT.
Career at a Glance
Pittsburgh (2021-23) | Assistant Coach
Stetson (2017-21) | Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
Central Florida Gators (2013-17) | Head Coach
UCF (2011-12) | Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator
Miami (2004-11) | Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator
Covington Lumberjacks (2004) | Virginia Valley League
PK Yonge (2004) | Assistant Coach
Education
Master's of Exercise & Sports Science - Florida ('06)
Bachelor's of Exercise & Sports Science - Florida ('03)
What They're Saying
UNF Director of Athletics - Nick Morrow
"As we went along the hiring process it became evident that Joe Mercadante would be a great fit for UNF and UNF baseball," Director of Athletics Nick Morrow said. "He has a positive reputation throughout the baseball community for his relentless recruiting efforts, the development of his student-athletes and being a coach of high character. Joe is a Florida native and is well connected throughout the state, allowing him to step in and make an immediate impact on the program. We are thrilled to welcome Joe and his family back to their home state and to the University of North Florida. It is time for alumni, fans and the UNF community to rally behind Coach Mercadante as he leads a proud UNF baseball program with a rich history of success," Morrow said. "By providing our full support I have no doubt we will win championships, compete in the NCAA Regionals and impact many lives along the way."
Pittsburgh Panthers Head Baseball Coach - Mike Bell
"We are extremely excited for Coach Mercadante and his family as they embark on their new journey. Joe has proven to be a dynamic recruiter, developer of talent, and no doubt will show that he can lead UNF to a championship brand of baseball on the field & excellence off the field. We are grateful for their time here at Pitt, and look forward to following their success."
Bryant Bulldogs Head Baseball Coach - Ryan Klosterman
"Merc is the perfect hire to lead the Ospreys moving forward. His experiences recruiting and coaching throughout the state of Florida have prepared him for the opportunity. He embodies a tireless work ethic with a personable approach to players and people. His passion and care factor will be felt in the Jacksonville community!"
