Wayne State University head baseball coach Jay Alexander completed his sixth season in 2008 after leading the Warriors to a school-record 34 victories and their second appearance in the NCAA Regional tournament.

The 2008 GLIAC Coach of the Year, Alexander guided his alma mater to the GLIAC regular-season title and the championship game of the Regional tournament. In addition, pitcher Anthony Bass and utility player Adam Kaminski became the first WSU baseball All-Americans since 1978, capping off arguably the most successful season in program history.

Alexander has achieved success throughout his tenure as head coach, however, having led the Warriors to the GLIAC regular-season title and their first-ever trip to the NCAA Regionals in 2005. He earned his first GLIAC Coach of the Year award as the Warriors tied what was then the school record for wins (32).

In Alexander's first season as head coach, the Warriors finished with a 22-26 overall record, the most wins for any first-year coach in Wayne State history.

Alexander's teams have averaged 27 wins over his six seasons and qualified for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament four times. He has guided the Warriors to a winning GLIAC record each of the last five years.

In all, Alexander has coached 12 All-Region players, 37 All-GLIAC selections, and 71 GLIAC All-Academic honorees. Shortstop Frank Jeney was named 2005 GLIAC Player of the Year, while outfielder Ryan LaPensee garnered 2007 Freshman of the Year honors. Bass and catcher Michael Wiseman earned 2008 GLIAC Pitcher and Freshman of the Year awards, respectively.

Under Alexander, Wayne State also had its first player sign a major league contract since 1999 when Randy Surratt joined the Chicago White Sox organization after WSU's 2003 season. Then in 2005, RHP Steve Squires became the first Wayne State player to be selected in the Major League draft when the White Sox picked him in the 49th round. In 2008, Bass was selected by the San Diego Padres in the fifth round (165th pick overall).

Director of Athletics Rob Fournier announced Alexander's promotion to head baseball coach on December 11, 2002. Alexander had served as the assistant coach since 1998, working under Rodger George who passed away in October 2002 as the all-time leader for baseball coaching victories at WSU with 272.

A native of Detroit, Alexander has been a part of Wayne State baseball since 1991. He played shortstop and center field at Wayne State and was a steady player in his sophomore and junior years, but excelled his senior year. In his last year, Alexander led the Warriors in hits, runs scored, stolen bases and batting average, while also being ranked nationally in those same categories. For his play, Alexander earned First Team All-GLIAC and All-Regional honors.

"Jay continues the legacy of Coach George and the teaching skills and emphasis on academics so important to the success of our overall athletic program," said Fournier. "His familiarity with our systems and personnel is an added bonus that furthers underscores his qualifications. He has already ably guided our program through a difficult season in 2002 and I look forward to his personal direction that will further develop our long-term objectives for the baseball team."

He graduated from WSU in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in history and later earn his master's of arts in human resource management at Marygrove College in 2002.

"I'm very excited to have an opportunity to work and coach at the institution where I've spent most of my career. It is a pleasure to have the chance to build upon the foundation Coach George has established," stated Alexander.

Alexander resides in Redford with his wife Kia.

Jay Alexander's WSU Coaching Career
	Overall				GLIAC
Year	GP	Won	Lost	Pct.	GP	Won	Lost	Pct.	Finish	Notes
2003	48	22	26	.458	26	10	16	.385	5th
2004	53	25	28	.472	26	14	12	.538	4th	GLIAC Tournament
2005	51	32	19	.627	27	19	8	.704	1st (RS)	GLIAC Tournament/NCAA Regional
2006	53	19	34	.358	31	17	14	.548	4th	GLIAC Tournament
2007	51	29	22	.569	30	17	13	.567	5th
2008	53	34	19	.642	28	23	5	.821	1st (RS)	GLIAC Tournament/NCAA Regional
Career	309	161	148	.521	168	100	68	.595	-------------------- Six Seasons --------------------

School record