GREENSBORO, N.C. – University of Central Missouri Mules Baseball Head Coach Kyle Crookes has been named the 2026 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) / ATEC Central Region Coach of the Year, announced on Tuesday, June 23.
 
Crookes led the Mules to their third consecutive and 22nd NCAA Division II Regional Championship and Division II World Series appearance in program history this past season. UCM posted an overall record of 40-17 and an MIAA conference record of 24-12 in 2026. The 40 wins marked the 26th time in program history that Central Missouri baseball has won at least 40 games. The Mules also set a new program record for stolen bases in a season with 202 stolen bases in 238 attempts.  
 
This is Crookes's seventh ABCA / ATEC Central Region Coach of the Year honor in his 12th season in Warrensburg. He previously won the award in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019, and 2016.

UCM left-handed starting pitcher Sawyer Allen earned All-American honors and was one of eight Mules who earned All-MIAA accolades in 2026. Allen and fellow starting pitcher Greyson Chappel received All-Central Region recognition, while shortstop Cole Kreisel and first baseman Chase Wilcox were named to the ABCA/Rawlings Central Region All-Defense Team. 
 
The ABCA/ATEC Regional and National Coaches of the Year are selected by members of the ABCA All-America & Coach of the Year committees in all nine divisions: NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, Pacific Association Division and high school.

The 2026 ABCA/ATEC National Coaches of the Year in all divisions will be announced on Wednesday, June 24.

Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.

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