Biography
A cornerstone of McMurry University Baseball for over two decades, Josh Lee has guided the War Hawks to historic success as Head Baseball Coach, establishing the program as a rising national power in NCAA Division III. Since assuming the head role in 2022, Lee has built a culture defined by discipline, player development, academic excellence, and competitive consistency that has elevated McMurry into one of the most respected programs in the American Southwest and Southern Collegiate Athletic Conferences.
The 2025 season marked the most accomplished campaign in McMurry Baseball history. Under Lee’s leadership, the War Hawks posted a 35–13 record, captured the program’s first NCAA Division III Regional Championship with a victory over Pomona-Pitzer College in the La Verne (CA) Regional, and advanced to the program’s first-ever Super Regional appearance versus Trinity University. The War Hawks also reached a #16 national ranking, the first in school history, and finished #41 in the official NCAA NPI standings entering postseason play. Lee’s overall record as head coach stands at 70–60, reflecting rapid growth and sustained program momentum.
During his tenure, Lee has coached 33 All-Conference selections, including 8 First Team All-Conference, 5 All-Region, 1 All-American, and 1 All-Region 10 Defensive Team member. The 2025 season also produced two major conference award winners — SCAC Player of the Year Michael Smosna and SCAC Freshman of the Year Collin Bruning — highlighting McMurry’s continued rise in individual player development and conference recognition.
In the classroom, Lee’s program earned the 2025 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award, recognizing McMurry Baseball for maintaining one of the highest collective GPAs in the nation during its championship season.
Coaching and Leadership Experience
Lee first joined the McMurry coaching staff in 2007 as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, helping guide the 2008 team to an American Southwest Conference Championship. He returned to McMurry in 2019 and took over as head coach in 2022, implementing a comprehensive development system that emphasizes both physical performance and mental toughness. His leadership has fostered a renewed sense of tradition and community within the program, strengthening alumni relations and enhancing the student-athlete experience.
Beyond the collegiate level, Lee is the Founder and Owner of both the San Antonio Angels and West Texas Angels Baseball Programs, two of the most prominent amateur baseball organizations in Texas. Since their inception, the Angels programs have grown to 400+ active athletes and produced more than 175 collegiate baseball players, consistently ranking among the Top 15 programs in Texas.
Lee’s coaching experience also includes time as an Assistant Coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and as General Manager and Owner of D-BAT Abilene, where he managed operations for one of the region’s premier training facilities.
Playing Career
A McMurry Baseball Hall of Honor inductee, All-Quarter Century Team, and All-Century Team Lee starred for the War Hawks from 2001–2004, cementing one of the most decorated playing careers in school history.
- NCAA All-American (2004)
- Two-time ASC Player of the Year (2003 & 2004)
- Two-time All-Region and Three-time All-Conference selection
- Three ASC Championships (2001, 2004 as a player; 2008 as a coach)
- Team Captain (2002–2004)
Following his collegiate career, Lee was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 30th Round of the 2004 MLB Draft and played three seasons in professional baseball with the West Michigan Whitecaps and Gulf Coast Tigers. His excellence on and off the field led to induction into the McMurry University Athletics Hall of Honor as both an individual (2021) and a member of the 2001 and 2008 ASC Championship Teams.
Education & Certifications
- M.S., Sport & Recreation Management — Hardin-Simmons UniversityÂ
- B.B.A., Marketing — McMurry University (Minor: Exercise & Sports Studies)
- Certified in Advanced Leadership and Program Management
Personal
A native of Abilene, Texas, Lee and his wife, Stacy, have two children: Ava, a college sophomore, and Pierce, age 3. Stacy serves as Vice President for 2Ingage, a program supporting foster youth across Texas. The Lee family remains deeply involved in the Abilene community, continuing to lead through mentorship, faith, and their ongoing dedication to McMurry University and its student-athletes.
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