Chris Fletcher has been named the Owls' new head baseball coach, school athletic director Jason Vittone announced Thursday.
Fletcher replaces Brock Nehls, who resigned after the season. Fletcher has spent the past four years as an assistant coach and field maintenance manager at William Woods University.
Fletcher - a Moberly native - played for two years as an infielder with the Owls, before becoming a graduate assistant with the baseball program in 2013 and 2014.
"It is my pleasure to announce the hiring of one of our own, Chris Fletcher," Vittone said. "We were fortunate to have a great replacement already on staff, and I am looking forward to watching this program grow under his leadership.
"Loyalty is an important trait. Chris has been with us as a student-athlete, graduate assistant and full-time assistant. He has been a valuable member of our family and I am excited for him."
Fletcher completed his undergraduate degree at William Woods in the fall of 2012, earning a bachelor's degree in pre-legal studies. He received his Master of Administration in Athletic Administration from William Woods in 2014.
The Owls finished this past season at 23-28-1 overall and 9-21 in the American Midwest Conference.
"I am ecstatic to be leading our baseball program," Fletcher said. "First I would love to thank Athletic Director Jason Vittone and (Dean of Students) Dr. (Venita) Mitchell for entrusting me with the future of Owls baseball.
"Being a part of the William Woods athletic department as a player and assistant coach is coming full circle, and I couldn't be more thrilled. The past coaches and players have left a positive mark for WWU baseball, and I can't wait to carry on our strong tradition."