OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Legendary former Wichita State Head Baseball Coach Gene Stephenson has been named the 2026 recipient of the Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence by the College Baseball Foundation (CBF).
The Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence is presented annually to the coach, at any college level, who demonstrates the qualities of teaching, developing and coaching college baseball players that prepare them not only on the field and in the classroom, but for life after their baseball careers.
"Coach Stephenson is one of the most influential figures in college baseball history and an outstanding leader of young men," Director of Athletics Kevin Saal said. "This honor reflects his lasting impact on Shocker Baseball and further solidifies his legacy as a model of coaching excellence and leadership, both on and off the field."
The award is voted on by a panel of coaches, players, umpires, and administrators who possess significant background and experience in the sport. Among those currently serving on the committee are college baseball coaching legends, including former Oregon State Head Baseball Coach Pat Casey and current Rice and former Texas Head Baseball Coach David Pierce.
"Especially with the criteria of this award and in memory of Wayne Graham, I am extremely thankful to the College Baseball Foundation" Coach Stephenson said. "This is what we did every day, teach not only baseball, but life lessons too. I am honored to be selected for this award."
Stephenson is one of the most accomplished and influential figures in college baseball history, best known for his 36-year tenure as the head coach at Wichita State University. A 2014 inductee into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, Stephenson built the Shockers into a national powerhouse through sustained excellence, consistency, and elite player development.
During his remarkable career, Stephenson led Wichita State to the pinnacle of college baseball, capturing the 1989 College World Series championship and making seven total appearances in Omaha. His teams were perennial postseason contenders, earning 28 NCAA Regional appearances and advancing to two NCAA Super Regionals. Under his leadership, the Shockers dominated the Missouri Valley Conference, winning 20 regular-season titles and 17 conference tournament championships.
Individually, he was a three-time NCAA Coach of the Year and an 11-time Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. He was also honored as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference All-Centennial Team.
A hallmark of Stephenson's career was his ability to develop talent at the highest level. He coached 33 players who went on to play in Major League Baseball, including 13 first-round MLB Draft selections. His players also earned numerous individual honors, including three NCAA Players of the Year, one NCAA Pitcher of the Year, and two NCAA Academic Players of the Year. In total, 54 of his players received All-America honors, while 33 were named Freshman All-Americans.
Stephenson also emphasized academic excellence, coaching 20 players who earned Academic All-America honors a combined 27 times. Additionally, his players captured 15 conference Player of the Year awards and 12 conference Pitcher of the Year honors.
Wayne Graham Teaching Excellence Award Winners will also be recognized at the future College Baseball Hall of Fame being designed by the world class architects at Populous at the iconic Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.
About the Wayne Graham Award
The Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence is presented annually as a tribute to Graham, the longtime Hall of Fame college baseball coach at Rice University. Widely considered one of the greatest teachers in the history of college baseball, Graham's legacy extends well beyond his own distinguished record. His influence on the game and the thousands of players, coaches, and others he mentored within college baseball is immeasurable. Graham passed away in September 2024 at age 88.
A campaign was launched by the CBF to endow the Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence. Proceeds from the endowment will help support the presentation of the award. Those interested in supporting the endowment may send a financial gift to the Wayne Graham Endowment.
