GOSHEN, Ind. - Assistant coach Brad Stoltzfus will serve as interim head baseball coach as Alex Childers announced his resignation in order to spend more time with his family. Childers was a part of the Goshen staff for 13 seasons, with 11 as the head coach. Stoltzfus will begin his interim role on June 1, and a national search will start immediately.

Stoltzfus has been an assistant coach for the program since 2020. He is a 2018 Goshen College graduate who made 199 appearances as an infielder. Stoltzfus gained a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor who never gave up. At the end of his career, he held the school record for walks and runs scored; he was fifth in games played, eighth in hits and eighth in doubles.

"This program means a lot to me, and I have had some great memories at GC over the years," said Stoltzfus. "It is a great responsibility to move this program in the right direction, and I'm ready for the challenge. I know the players are itching to return to the field to compete."

Childers expressed support for Stoltzfus' interim leadership. "I have the utmost respect for this institution and its leadership, and I know that Brad will do great things," he said.

"We are very thankful for Brad to step into this role," said associate athletic director Rustin Nyce. "He knows Goshen College well, having been a highly respected member of our baseball team.  Brad also cares for each member of the team and wants to help Goshen baseball reach its potential athletically and academically."

Childers joined the baseball staff at Goshen College in 2011 as an assistant coach and became the head coach in 2013. He led the Maple Leafs to successively higher win totals in the following four seasons and was voted GC's coach of the year by his peers in the 2017-18 season. Childers has coached 15 all-conference award winners while with the Leafs.

"I am so blessed to have spent the last 13 years as a part of the family at Goshen College," said Childers. "This community has immensely impacted me and my family through their love and compassion. Goshen saw me get married, start a family and mourn death. The community celebrated wins with me and supported me after losses. While it is sad to leave, I am excited for the next chapter."

Childers thanked all the players and coaches over the years that came through the program and impacted him and his family. He specifically noted coaches Justin Grubbs and Doug Wellenreiter. Grubbs has been an assistant for the program for 11 seasons, and Wellenreiter served six years on the staff before his passing in 2020.

"Coach Childers did great work in his 11 years as head coach," said Nyce. " We value the candor and excitement he brought to the athletic department. We wish him well as he focuses more on his family and other obligations."

Childers' final game as head coach was a home walkoff upset win against #21 Taylor last Saturday.