RALEIGH, NC – Robert Dudley has announced today that he is stepping down as Wake Tech's head baseball coach. He departs the program after five seasons.
"First and foremost, thank you to Wake Tech, Robin Pate, Brian Anweiler, and all the other staff that supported me and gave me the opportunity to lead the baseball program for the last five years," said Dudley. I am grateful for my time at Wake Tech, for the assistant coaches and most importantly the student athletes and families that trusted me. It was truly a privilege.
"Since joining Wake Tech, our family has grown, and life has evolved quite a bit. The decision to leave was ultimately a decision putting my wife and three young boys first. I've always told the team that my family is the only thing that comes before baseball. While there is never a good time to move on, I am more confident than ever that the current staff and program will continue to grow and strive for excellence. I am forever proud to have been an Eagle."
Dudley was named the Wake Tech head baseball coach in June 2019. Since then, he has compiled 94 wins and reached the Region 10 Division II Tournament three times (2021, 2022, 2023).
"Coach Dudley has been the embodiment of a culture shift in Wake Tech Athletics," said Athletic Director Robin Pate. "Since his arrival, his ability to mentor and cultivate our student athletes and lead in our growth as a program has been phenomenal. I wish nothing but the absolute best for Robert, Meg and the boys as they transition from Wake Tech Baseball."
34 of his student athletes have gone on to continue their academic and athletic careers at four-year institutions, including seven at the NCAA Division I level.
Dudley's last season at the helm was a record-breaking one for the Eagles. Wake Tech led Region 10 DII in runs scored (463), home runs (72), and RBI (416), all of those being program records for a single season. Five players received All-Region 10 honors, including three named to the All-Region first team. Those three players, Andrew Holub, Jason Jelic, and Kaden Smith, have all committed to NCAA DI schools: Iowa, Xavier, and Charleston Southern, respectively.
Wake Tech will begin a search for Coach Dudley's successor immediately.
"Although finding someone for our program quickly is important, it is not more important than finding the right person to lead Wake Tech Baseball," said Pate.