Chris Collazo has been appointed as the new head coach of the TCNJ baseball team, according to an announcement made by Director of Athletics Liz Shatkus on Monday.
Collazo steps into his first head coaching role after more than ten years as an assistant coach at several Division I programs. He most recently served two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where he contributed to the Panthers reaching their highest RPI ranking in program history this past spring. During his tenure, Pittsburgh secured seven wins over nationally ranked teams and achieved its first winning record in three years. Collazo played a key role in offensive development and defensive alignments, mentoring players such as Luke Cantwell, who was selected by the San Diego Padres in this summer’s MLB Draft.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh, Collazo was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Delaware for the 2023 season. There, he helped guide the Blue Hens to their first 30-win season since returning to the CAA Tournament after five years. The team led their conference in several offensive categories and produced three all-conference position players.
Collazo’s longest coaching tenure was at Monmouth University from 2015 to 2022, where he also played collegiate baseball. As an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, he oversaw daily training programs and organized fundraising events while helping develop multiple All-MAAC position players and future MLB draft picks including Trey Dombrowski and Rob Hensey.
His earlier coaching experience includes roles at Felician University (Division II), Wagner College, and Villanova University. At Villanova, he developed offensive strategies that improved team performance across various metrics.
As a player at Monmouth, Collazo set school records for hits (247) and fielding percentage (.988), earning two All-NEC selections. He led Monmouth to two NCAA Tournament appearances and won a state title with Wall High School in 2005.
Upon accepting his new role with TCNJ Baseball—a program that reached an NCAA Tournament regional in 2025—Collazo said: “It’s truly an honor to return home to New Jersey to lead the TCNJ baseball program. This program has a strong tradition, a proud history, and the pieces in place to compete at the highest level. I’m eager to build on its success by developing our players, cultivating a championship mindset, and continuing to elevate TCNJ baseball on the national stage.”
Director of Athletics Liz Shatkus expressed confidence in Collazo’s appointment: “I’m excited to welcome Chris Collazo and his family to TCNJ,” Shatkus said. “He brings a strong focus on player development, innovative offensive strategy, and building a winning culture. With a relentless drive for success and a proven track record of winning wherever he has been, Chris is a fierce competitor and outstanding recruiter. I’m confident he will keep our baseball program thriving on the national stage.”
Collazo acknowledged those involved in his hiring: “I want to thank Liz Shatkus, Mike Doughtie, and the rest of the hiring committee for their trust and support throughout this process,” Collazo said. “My wife, Niki, and I are thrilled to be joining this community and can’t wait to get started. Go Lions!”
Several college coaches commented on Collazo’s appointment:
“What a great day and home run hire by TCNJ. Chris Collazo’s high-level expertise in today’s game of college baseball and deep-rooted recruiting connections in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions will pay big dividends in putting TCNJ on the map and competing for championships immediately. There is no doubt Chris’ teams will play with energy and passion for the game, and more importantly be prepared to win in the game of life.”
-Mike Bell, Head Baseball Coach, University of Pittsburgh
“Outstanding hire by TCNJ. Chris Collazo is highly respected across college baseball – particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic – for his experience relentless work ethic ,and track record as a successful recruiter and coach . More importantly ,he ‘s an exceptional person who players will love playing for .Chris will lead TCNJ to championships and ,most importantly ,help develop young men into strong leaders off the field .”
-Greg Mamula ,Head Coach ,University of Delaware
“Chris is the perfect hire for TCNJ .He is a Jersey guy to his core .Chris is not only an excellent coach ,but a person of tremendous character and integrity .I’ve been close with Chris since he was a freshman in college and watching his coaching journey evolve makes me extremely proud .He is going inspire teach pay attention details give every bit himself players holds high standard lives life standard every day People are going want play him good developer talent get better each year great hands “
-Chuck Ristano Head Baseball Coach US Naval Academy
“I am very happy for Chris & this exciting opportunity him lead own program He has track record recruiting developing quality student-athletes do job dedication passion work ethic asset fine certain continue build upon strong foundation bring continued success off field”
-Dean Ehehalt Head Baseball Coach Monmouth University
