SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Texas State head baseball coach Steven Trout has announced the addition of Rick Guarno to the Bobcat coaching staff as the program's hitting coach.

Guarno brings more than a decade of collegiate coaching experience and a wealth of professional baseball knowledge to San Marcos after recent stops in Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins, New York Mets and New York Yankees.

"We are excited to welcome Rick and his family to Texas State," Trout said. "He has a proven track record of developing hitters at every level of baseball, from college to professional organizations. His experience, baseball knowledge and ability to connect with players will make an immediate impact on our program. Rick understands what it takes to compete and win, and we're thrilled to add someone with his background and passion for player development to our staff."

Guarno returns to the collegiate ranks after spending the last four years in professional baseball, where he worked as hitting coach for the Marlins, Mets and Yankees.

Prior to entering professional baseball, Guarno spent five seasons at Arkansas State, serving as the team's hitting coach and recruiting coordinator.

In 2021, Arkansas State hit 60 home runs, tied for the second most in program history, while producing multiple All-Sun Belt Conference performers. Guarno played a key role in the development of catcher Liam Hicks, who went on to be selected in the ninth round of the MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers.

Before Arkansas State, Guarno spent three seasons as hitting coach and recruiting coordinator at UT Martin. During his tenure, the Skyhawks recorded the most Ohio Valley Conference wins in any three-year stretch in school history and produced some of the best offensive seasons the program has seen.

The 2017 Skyhawks ranked among the top offensive teams in school history in hits, home runs, total bases, doubles, walks and triples. Individually, Connor Aube earned Freshman All-America honors. In 2016, UT Martin set a school record with 231 walks and posted its highest run, hit, double and RBI totals since 2010.

Guarno previously served as recruiting coordinator at Young Harris College (DII) from 2013-14, helping guide one of the nation's most productive offenses. The Mountain Lions ranked among the national leaders in home runs, slugging percentage and scoring during both seasons, while Guarno coached an All-American in Zach Bricknell, who led the nation in home runs and established a school record with 22.

His collegiate coaching career began at his alma mater, Little Rock, where he spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In 2012, the Trojans led the nation in home runs per game and ranked among the national leaders in slugging percentage and scoring offense while setting school records for home runs and triples. He was also a member of the coaching staff that helped lead the Trojans to the 2011 Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship and the program's first NCAA Regional appearance.

A former professional catcher, Guarno was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2003 MLB Draft with the 107th overall pick. He played seven seasons professionally, reaching the Triple-A level with Colorado Springs in 2008.

At Little Rock, Guarno earned First-Team All-Sun Belt honors and ABCA All-Region recognition in 2003. He began his collegiate career at UMBC, where he helped lead the Retrievers to an NCAA Regional appearance as a freshman.