MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Jennifer Flowers announced on Thursday the hiring of Jeremy Ische as the next head baseball coach at SMSU.
 
Ische, who has spent the past five years as head coach at Upper Iowa University, becomes the sixth head coach in the program's 54-year history. Ische (pronounced ISH-ee), takes over for Paul Blanchard, who retired following the 2023 season after serving as head coach for 27 seasons.
 
Ische is no stranger to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference having served as an assistant coach at SMSU for two seasons (2013-14) before spending the last seven seasons as an assistant and head coach at UIU.
 
"We are very excited to welcome Jeremy and his family back to SMSU," Flowers said. "I am confident Jeremy will be a tremendous leader for our baseball program and a great ambassador for SMSU. His commitment and passion for the game, along with his previous head coaching experience in the NSIC and his connection to SMSU, is a winning combination that will strengthen our baseball program and support our efforts to provide our young men with a fantastic student-athlete experience. Today begins a new chapter of Mustang baseball; we look forward to what's ahead with Jeremy at the helm."
 
Ische recently completed his fourth full season (2020 was canceled after 14 games) at UIU and has registered 57 career victories. UIU had its best season under Ische in 2023, finishing with a 19-27 record, including 15-19 in NSIC play. The Peacocks had victories this past season over Augustana and St. Cloud State, both of whom advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
 
"First off, I would like to thank Director of Athletics, Jen Flowers, and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity! My family and I are extremely excited about the opportunity to come back to Marshall and be part of the Mustangs Athletic Department," Ische said. "This is a tremendous opportunity to continue to lead young men, impact their lives, and continue to elevate the program that Coach Blanchard has established. Coach Blanchard is a mentor of mine and I am proud to have worked with him in the past and continue to carry on with Mustang baseball."
 
During his tenure as UIU head coach, Ische was instrumental in raising important dollars for the program, including raising more than $100,000 the last two years. He has also helped to maintain Robertson Woods Field, the home field for UIU baseball, as one of the top ballparks in the NSIC. The field earned the Pioneer Field of Excellence Award in 2022.
 
During his first season as head coach in 2019, UIU improved offensive production in 12 offensive categories, while Duncan Snider was twice named NSIC Pitcher of the Week. Snider concluded his career in 2021 and now pitches in the San Diego Padres organization. UIU had one All-NSIC second team honoree in 2019, a pair of Peacocks were named to the 2021 NSIC All-Defensive team, while Ryan Hull was named to the 2023 NSIC All-Defensive team. Under the direction of Ische, a total of 89 UIU baseball student-athletes have been named Academic All-NSIC in five seasons.
 
"We have a very strong Mustang team coming back with several proven veterans who have the ability to do more than what is expected. I am eager to build relationships with them and get to work when they arrive back on campus," Ische said. "The SMSU community and Mustang baseball program has a strong alumni base and I truly look forward to engaging with them and continuing to build our situation together. There is a lot of pride within Mustang baseball throughout the years and we look forward to being involved with them."
 
Prior to taking over as head coach at UIU, Ische served as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Peacocks during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He helped the development of pitcher Brett Fanning, who was named All-NSIC second team following the 2018 campaign.
 
Ische started his collegiate coaching career in 2012 spending one season at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. The team won 43 games, captured the NJCAA Region XIII championship and advanced to the NJCAA World Series for the first time in program history.
 
Following his one season at SCTCC, Ische moved to SMSU where he spent two seasons as an assistant coach in 2013-14. The Mustangs won 44 games during his two seasons on staff, including an appearance in the NSIC Tournament in 2014. SMSU had three hitters earn all-region and one receive All-American honors during his tenure, while the 2014 team led the NSIC in home runs and was second in triples.
 
Ische spend the 2015 and 2016 seasons as assistant coach at Luther College. The Norse made its first conference appearance in four seasons in 2015, while the 2016 squad set a school record for victories (34) and advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in 10 years.
 
Originally from Norwood Young America, Minn., Ische played two seasons (2007-08) at North Iowa Area Community College, where he earned all-region honors. He then spent three seasons (2009-11) at St. Cloud State University, while earning a bachelor's degree in sport management and recreation.
 
"The Marshall area loves athletics and we will give them a product they will be proud of on and off the field," Ische said. "My wife and I are fired up to be joining SMSU, the Marshall Community and we hope to see you at beautiful Legion Field in the spring!"
 
Jeremy and his wife, Eryn, have a daughter, McKynlee (5) and sons, Jett (4) and Wells (1).