DAHLONEGA, Ga. — University of North Georgia head baseball coach Tom Cantrell has announced that 2025 will be his final season as the skipper of the program as the decorated Hall of Fame coach is set to retire at the conclusion of the season.
"First, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given here at the University of North Georgia to restart the baseball program 26 years ago. The last 26 years have been nothing short of amazing, and I have been privileged to coach alongside some of the greatest men ever," Cantrell said. "I am also blessed to have coached and mentored some of the finest young men and be a part of this wonderful institution. The memories of my time here in Dahlonega will be cherished, and I am so thankful for every person that has been a part of this amazing journey and that will be a part of the continued championship-level successes for the baseball program here at North Georgia."
Cantrell RetirementCantrell has been the face of North Georgia baseball for the last 26 seasons, amassing an impressive 856 career wins after rebuilding the program from the ground up in 2000. Under his leadership, the Nighthawks achieved 23 winning seasons, with 20 of those seasons seeing 30 or more wins. This includes a remarkable 12-year streak of 30+ win seasons from 2000-2011. Cantrell's tenure has been marked by numerous championships across different conferences.
At the NAIA level, he led the team to two regular-season titles in the Georgia Alabama Carolinas Conference (GACC). After transitioning to NCAA Division II, Cantrell guided the Nighthawks to three Peach Belt Conference (PBC) regular-season championships. The team's tournament success has been equally notable, with a Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) tournament championship in 2005 and a PBC tournament championship in 2008, the latter leading to an NCAA regional appearance in North Georgia's first year of NCAA postseason eligibility.
"Coach Cantrell's impact on our baseball program and the University of North Georgia as a whole cannot be overstated. Over the past 26 years, he has built a program of excellence, integrity and consistent success that has become a cornerstone of our Athletic Department," UNG President Mike Shannon said. "Tom's dedication to developing not just skilled athletes, but also outstanding young men, has set a standard that will endure long after his retirement. We are grateful for the solid foundation he has established for UNG baseball and are honored that he has chosen to conclude his illustrious coaching career with us."
Cantrell also guided the program to a combined nine postseason berths at the NAIA and NCAA levels. UNG made an appearance in the NAIA regional tournament every year of its membership from 2000-2005. The Nighthawks were crowned NAIA regional champions in 2002 and 2004. At the NCAA Division II level, Cantrell managed the program to three NCAA regional appearances, highlighted by a regional championship and run to the NCAA College World Series in 2017.
"When Coach Cantrell informed us earlier this week that this would be his final season, we experienced a whirlwind of emotions - gratitude, appreciation and a keen awareness of his immeasurable significance to our university and baseball program," stated Director of Athletics Mary Rob Plunkett. "Tom's legacy extends far beyond his impressive record of wins, championships and accolades. It's etched in the lives of countless student-athletes he's shaped over nearly three decades. His ability to mentor and inspire players, both on and off the field, has not only elevated our baseball program but has set a standard of excellence that will continue to define UNG athletics for years to come."
During his time at North Georgia, Cantrell mentored 16 All-Americans, 68 All-Region selections and 63 All-Conference players, and 15 of Cantrell's former players went on to play professionally with an MLB organization. The legendary coach was two-time GACC Coach of the Year and four-time PBC Coach of the Year. He was also twice named the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Coach of the Year. In 2016, Cantrell was inducted into the Georgia Dugout Club's Baseball Hall of Fame.
A national search for Cantrell's replacement will begin later this semester.
