Raymond Romero, Associate Head Baseball Coach
(954) 262-8257
romero@nova.edu
Ray Romero is entering his seventh season on the NSU Baseball coaching staff. He was promoted to the position of Associate Head Baseball Coach following the 2003 season. Coach Romero brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Sharks with an expertise in the fundamentals, mechanics and thought process of pitching. In 2006, the NSU baseball team posted a program-best 33-19 NCAA mark, including a third-place finish in the Sunshine State Conference with a 14-10 record in league play. The two teams that finished ahead of NSU in the standings were this season's NCAA DII National Champions University of Tampa and defending NCAA DII National Champions Florida Southern College.
Since joining the NCAA five years ago, the Sharks have averaged over 30 wins per season and have consistently been ranked in the top 25 nationally.
The Sharks have had a pitcher chosen in each of the past three MLB Drafts as LHP Antony Bello signed with the Houston Astros after being selected in the 21st round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. RHP Derek Antelo signed after being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 10th round of the 2005 Draft and RHP Giuseppe Norrito signed after being picked by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 48th round of MLB's 2004 First-Year Player Draft.
Quality pitching has been a constant under the direction of Coach Romero, as Bello (2006), Antelo (2005) and Kyle Ruwe (2003) each were named All-American's by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Ray came from Chaminade-Madonna along with head coach Mike Mominey in 2000. He coached there from 1993-2000 helping in the team's impressive successes including their 88-26 record from 1996-200 and a number two state ranking in 1998. Overall, the team won three district championships and was regional runner-up.
Prior to his successes at Chaminade, Romero coached at the Miramar Optimist Club from 1981-90, where his teams collected two Broward County and two state championships. Ray has been an active member in the South Florida baseball community running hundreds of free baseball clinics for high school players where he concentrated on the fundamentals of pitching, hitting, fielding, and catching.
Ray feels proud for the many successes these players have enjoyed in high school and college baseball, where they have excelled both athletically and academically. Three of Ray's former high school pitchers have been drafted over the last five years. He states, "I think my greatest accomplishment was taking advantage of the opportunity to help these young men realize their dreams."
Ray prides himself in being an upbeat person and believes that hard work and commitment to excellence will breed success. "I strongly urge all of you NSU baseball fans to come out and lend your support. I promise we will be very exciting to watch this year."
Ray resides in West Palm Beach with his wife, Cynthia.
