Sparkill, N.Y. - St. Thomas Aquinas College Athletics recently announced that assistant coach John-Michael Guarino has been promoted to head coach of the Spartans baseball program. Guarino, who joined the STAC baseball program in 2022, has served as both the program's Pitching Coach and Recruting Coordinator since arriving in Sparkill.

"We are excited to name John-Michael as the next leader of the Spartan Baseball Program", said Director of Athletics Nicole Ryan. "It was a natural progression following his time as an assistant coach and his familiarity with our organization will make this a seamless transition. John-Michael's knowledge of the game and unwavering work ethic make him a perfect fit and we are confident that he will continue to build upon the tradition of success within the program."

Guarino joined the Spartans' staff after spending the previous three years (2019-2021) as Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Manhattanville College. He began his career with the Monroe College Express as an Assistant Coach during the program’s inaugural season in 2018.

As the Pitching Coach for STAC several pitchers have received ECC and East Region award honors. Most recently in 2024, John Archer and Andrew Alameda received Second Team All-ECC honors.

In 2023, Aaron Dona was named Pitcher of the Year in the conference while also taking home All-East Region honors. Dona set a new single season mark for strikeouts that season recording 109 over 73.2 inning of work. Concluding his career as #2 all-time in career strikeouts with 277. In 2022, two Spartan pitchers received All-ECC honors. Yanni Orfanidis was awarded ECC Relief Pitcher of the Year finishing the year with a 3.19 era over 42.1 innings of work and 31 appearances in relief. Aaron Dona also received Second Team All-ECC accolades.

Several players have signed professional contracts since Guarino arrived with the Spartans. Most recently, former short stop, Andrew Jemison had his contract purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays after spending time with the Staten Island Ferry Hawks (2023) and Lexington Legends (2024) of the Atlantic League. Currently, four former Spartan pitchers Guarino had the opportunity to work with are playing professionally.

Guarino has also spent time assisting with both the Rockland/New York Boulders and most recently the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League.

In 2017, Guarino graduated from Oswego State University of New York with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. Guarino went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Sports Business and Entertainment Management from Manhattanville College in 2020.

Guarino was a four-year pitcher at Oswego. As a player, Guarino helped the Lakers to a league title, SUNYAC title, New York Regional title, and DIII College World Series Appearance in 2017. Oswego and Guarino also made NCAA Regional appearances in 2015 and 2016.

"I want to thank Athletic Director Nicole Ryan and Associate Athletic Director Margaret Alaimo for providing me this opportunity and I am excited and grateful to lead this program", stated Coach Guarino. "Accepting this position at St. Thomas Aquinas, with its prestigious tradition, is a tremendous honor, and I am eager to build upon the excellence that has defined our program."