Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University has announced the promotion of Aaron Hepner to Associate Head Coach of its baseball team. The announcement was made by head coach Ryan Kelley, who praised Hepner's long tenure and significant contributions to the program.

"One of the longest tenured assistant coaches in our athletic department, Coach Hepner's experience merits this coaching title," said Kelley. "His impact on our baseball program as the recruiting coordinator and his development of our position players have been extensive. Beyond coaching leadership strategy, his attention to detail, and mentorship are impactful with our student-athletes."

Hepner recently completed his 12th year at Wayne State University (WSU) and has a total of 19 years of experience in college-level coaching. Before joining WSU, he spent five seasons at Eastern Michigan working alongside former Warrior head coach Jay Alexander.

Throughout his career, Hepner has excelled in developing catchers, helping six sign professional contracts and assisting four in being drafted. His influence extends beyond individual players; under his guidance, WSU achieved notable successes including a record-setting 42 wins in 2023 and capturing both the GLIAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships for the first time since 2010.

In previous seasons, Hepner contributed to teams setting records for fielding percentage and strikeouts while maintaining strong offensive performances. In particular, the 2022 Warriors posted school records for walks, RBI, runs scored, home runs, doubles and more.

Hepner's history with Eastern Michigan also highlights his ability to develop talent across various positions. He played a crucial role in enhancing EMU’s pitching staff performance during his tenure there from 2008-2012.

Before entering coaching full-time at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Hepner was an assistant coach at Michigan where he contributed to two Big Ten regular-season championships (2007-08) as well as winning a regional championship in 2007.

As a player himself at Dayton University from which he graduated with a degree in sports management in 2006—Hepner earned three letters playing catcher while leading defensive efforts on field through multiple starts over three years contributing significantly towards their historic achievements such as winning conference titles or making deep tournament runs throughout collegiate career path chosen early life roots originating Woodinville Washington high school graduate dual sport athlete participating football baseball alike growing up regionally noted competitive environment fostering development future professionals respective fields expertise sought after nationally recognized institutions educational athletics today continues inspire next generation leaders commitment excellence shown daily basis dedication perseverance drive succeed highest levels possible whatever endeavor pursued along way journey taken so far only beginning what promises be bright promising future ahead!