This week, Coach Hartleb announced that Zach Luevanos will join the Illinois baseball coaching staff for the 2025 season. Luevanos will take on pitching coach duties while Coach Allen is on a health-related leave.
It’s hard to believe that this is Coach Allen’s sixth year at Illinois already. Unfortunately with his health issues, he will need someone who can be on the field. That person will be Coach Zach Luevanos.
That said, if I know Coach Allen, he will be as involved as possible.
A few things to know about Coach Luevanos
Coach Luevanos hails from Texas. Corpus Christi, to be precise. His baseball coaching career began in the Lone Star State too. He was a grad assistant at familiar opponent Lamar. Within the Texas Twelve, he was the Director of High School Baseball Operations in San Antonio.
Placement is a big plus with Zach. While at Texas Twelve, the program was responsible for four first round picks and he was responsible for 315 student-athletes.
Luevanos is versatile. He has worked with catchers, outfielders, and hitters. He now seems to have found his niche as pitching coach.
As an athlete, Luevanos began with Seminole State in 2010 before transferring to Lamar for his last two years. He earned all-region honors with both squads.
To get a glimpse into Zach Luevanos, he was interviewed on “The Bottom of the 9th Podcast” two years ago. Take a listen.
Most importantly, he has the respect of Coach Mark Allen. That more than anything, gives me the assurance that Luevanos is right for the job. The two have now known each other for fifteen years. While Coach Allen will be on leave for the 2025 season, I have no doubt they will be in contact with each other.
Welcome, Coach Zach Luevanos! We appreciate what you are doing for Illinois baseball!
Most importantly, I want to wish Coach Mark Allen lots of good health. I know the players are all thinking of you.