Southern Miss baseball has added one of the most experienced, and perhaps most memorably named, assistant coaches in college baseball.
After one season with Houston as an Assistant Coach, Cheesebrough joins the Golden Eagles as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. While his primary role will be leading Southern Miss’ recruiting efforts, he brings extensive experience working with hitters and catchers throughout his coaching career, giving Christian Ostrander another veteran offensive mind on staff.
A Name Southern Miss Fans Will Remember
Before diving into his impressive résumé, it is difficult to ignore the obvious: Kyle Cheesebrough has one of the most unique and eye-catching names in college baseball. It is the type of name that immediately stands out on a coaching staff directory, recruiting graphic or lineup card. His former Mississippi State email address even began with “cheese,” showing that Cheesebrough has apparently leaned into the nickname that naturally comes with the territory.
However, Southern Miss did not hire Cheesebrough simply because he has a name fans will remember. Behind that memorable last name is a coach with 17 years of collegiate experience, four trips to the College World Series and a national championship ring.
National Championship Experience at Mississippi State
Cheesebrough is already familiar with baseball in the Magnolia State after spending seven seasons on the Mississippi State coaching staff.
He followed former Mississippi State head coach Chris Lemonis from Indiana to Starkville before the 2019 season. In his first year with the Bulldogs, Mississippi State reached the College World Series and produced one of the most productive offenses in school history. The Bulldogs led the nation with 166 doubles while ranking second nationally in hits, fourth in runs and fifth in batting average.
Two years later, Cheesebrough was part of the staff that helped Mississippi State capture the 2021 College World Series championship, the first team national championship in the university’s history. He worked primarily with the Bulldogs’ hitters and catchers while also helping organize camps and other areas of the program.
His experience in Starkville should be particularly valuable at Southern Miss. Cheesebrough understands the recruiting landscape across Mississippi, the Southeast and the SEC footprint. He also knows the expectations that come with coaching at a program where reaching an NCAA Regional is considered the minimum standard.
A Career Built Around Recruiting and Player Development
Cheesebrough’s value extends beyond his Mississippi State connections.
Before arriving in Starkville, he spent four seasons at Indiana from 2015 through 2018. He served as the Hoosiers’ recruiting coordinator while coaching hitters and catchers. During that period, Indiana signed three nationally ranked top-35 recruiting classes, reached three NCAA Tournaments and produced 12 All-Big Ten hitters.
The Hoosiers enjoyed one of their best seasons under Cheesebrough in 2018, finishing 40-19 and earning an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. Indiana led the Big Ten in slugging percentage, home runs and total bases while finishing second in batting average.
Prior to Indiana, Cheesebrough coached at Louisville from 2012 through 2014. The Cardinals reached the College World Series in consecutive seasons in 2013 and 2014, giving Cheesebrough his first two trips to Omaha as a coach. Louisville reached the NCAA Tournament during all three of his seasons on the staff and won 142 games during that stretch.
His coaching career began at Pittsburgh in 2011, where he worked with catcher Kevan Smith. Smith hit .397 with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs, earned First-Team All-Big East honors and eventually reached the major leagues. Pittsburgh also produced a program-record six MLB Draft selections that season.
Success on the Recruiting Trail
The most important portion of Cheesebrough’s new title may be recruiting coordinator.
Cheesebrough brings an extensive track record in that area. During his coaching career, 18 players he recruited or coached have earned All-America recognition, eight have been named Freshman All-Americans and 66 have earned all-conference honors. He has also seen 66 former players selected in the MLB Draft, with more than 20 eventually reaching the major leagues.
In the 2019 MLB Draft alone, Cheesebrough had connections to 21 selections between Mississippi State and Indiana. Mississippi State had 11 players drafted, tying a school record, while Indiana produced a program-record 10 selections.
That combination of recruiting experience and player development makes him an important addition for Ostrander.
From Louisville Catcher to Veteran College Coach
A native of Rowlett, Texas, Cheesebrough played two seasons at Louisville in 2008 and 2009. The former catcher appeared in 32 games and made 18 starts for Cardinals teams that won consecutive Big East Tournament championships, captured the 2009 regular-season conference title and reached the 2009 NCAA Super Regional.
He remained at Louisville as an undergraduate assistant in 2010 while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in education. That opportunity began a coaching journey that has taken him from Pittsburgh to Louisville, Indiana, Mississippi State, Houston and now Hattiesburg.
Across those stops, Cheesebrough has been part of 11 NCAA Tournament teams and four College World Series appearances. His résumé includes Omaha trips with Louisville in 2013 and 2014, Mississippi State in 2019 and the Bulldogs’ national championship season in 2021.
About The Author
