LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University has named TJ Marik as the inaugural head coach of its baseball program. The addition brings another instrumental leader to campus as the University continues to establish the Florida Poly Athletics program.
Marik brings substantial head coaching experience and a strong background in player development to the new role.
Before joining Florida Poly, he served as head coach at Siena Heights University following a successful tenure at Missouri Valley College, where his teams earned all-conference honors, Gold Glove recognition and record-setting performances.
While the opportunity to write the first chapter for Florida Poly Baseball drew him to the University, Marik’s immediate focus is on building a roster with the right mix of qualities to fit the University’s all-STEM environment.
“I’m looking for three aspects in the players I recruit,” Marik said. “I want to make sure they’re prepared academically, have the athletic talent and are of strong character.”
That recruitment strategy is already underway for the upcoming season. Recruiting is going strong. Marik said 14 players are set to join the team so far this fall, with a target roster of 25 to 30 student-athletes.
“We’re in a good spot right now and still have some work to do, no question,” he said. “But I feel very confident with where we’ll be.”
Derek Lower, Florida Poly’s athletic director, said Marik’s enthusiasm for the game is undeniable.
“I’m excited to have TJ as our inaugural head baseball coach,” Lower said. “He is extremely passionate about the sport and definitely eats, sleeps and breathes baseball.”
As Florida Poly Baseball prepares for its debut, Marik and the team are keeping long-term goals in mind.
“I want to be one of the best baseball programs in the country,” Marik said. “I know it’s going to take a lot of work, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there.”
Central to that, he said there will be establishing a culture of trust, accountability and camaraderie.
“I’ve learned that building relationships with players is so important,” Marik said. “I make sure everyone knows they can always come talk to me, no matter what it is or how uncomfortable it may be.”
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
