The Cyclones will see a new face lead the baseball team this season – Tyler Zunkel.

Baseball has been a part of Zunkel's life since he was a child. His dad always loved the game but wasn't able to play in college and instilled that love in his children. Zunkel was a three-sport athlete in high school but ultimately gravitated to baseball. He continued to play ball at College of DuPage (COD) and was recruited to play shortstop at Chicago State University.

After graduating with a degree in criminal justice, Zunkel knew he couldn't quit the game and began coaching at COD from 2019 to 2022. Then he was hired as a full-time assistant hitting and infield coach at Emory and Henry College in Virginia, an NCAA Division II institution. However, the pull to come home was too strong, and he jumped at the chance to become head coach at Moraine Valley after Coach Mike Kane retired after two years.

"I love this challenge, and I'm excited to start, especially with guidance from General [McArthur III, Moraine Valley Athletics director]. It's been an easy transition," he said.

Being hired at the end of the Cyclones spring baseball season, Zunkel was able to jump in to recruit players and build rapport with returning athletes. He's looking forward to creating a trusting culture with this crew and helping make everyone better before digging in.

"I like to relate to my players, connect with the guys because we all want to win some games. I know the talent in this region. We're going to out-work everyone, and we'll be tough to beat," Zunkel explained. "The good thing about baseball is anyone can beat anyone as long as they want to play."

Zunkel is a small ball coach hoping to out coach the others he faces this upcoming season. He is looking to bring in two acquaintances as assistants who also played ball at Chicago State University. The young staff has the same coaching style and should be a solid force to move the Cyclones baseball program forward.

"My style is grit and grind, but I like being adaptive, and we'll have a learning curve. I want to make everyone better and show they can trust me. Every mistake is a chance to learn," Zunkel said. "I like being that underdog and love the challenge. I'm ready to get to work."