SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo University has appointed Josh Keim as the new head baseball coach for the Saint Leo Lions, announced by Director of Athletics, Wellness, and Recreation Marcal Lazenby. Keim joins from Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois, where he was head coach for four seasons.

"Josh is a tremendous addition to the Saint Leo family," said Marcal Lazenby, Director of Athletics, Wellness, and Recreation. "His track record of success, both on the field and in the classroom, is impressive. We are confident that his leadership and vision will continue to build on the strong tradition of our baseball program", Lazenby stated.

During his stint with the Braves, Keim achieved a 161-71 record, leading the team to four consecutive NJCAA Region 4 Division II Sectional Championships and Tournament appearances. Black Hawk tied the program record for wins in a season with 45 in 2024 and the second most wins in a season with 44 in 2023 with Keim at the helm. Keim's leadership produced 14 all-region honorees, including two-time All-American Payton Lawrence, with the team consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally.

"I first want to thank President Dr. Edward Dadez, Director of Athletics Marcal Lazenby, and all the search committee for the opportunity to come back to Saint Leo", said Keim. "I look forward to the challenge of continuing to build on the tradition of Lions baseball and cannot wait to get to campus and be a part of the Saint Leo community again."

 Keim also led Black Hawk to three Arrowhead Athletic Conference Championships and earned academic honors, including the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Academic Excellence Award in 2023 and NJCAA Academic Team of the Year in 2022. The team maintained a GPA of 3.08 or higher each year under his leadership.

"I also want to thank my wife and family for believing in me and supporting our journey in this profession and our return to Florida. I look forward to reconnecting with alumni and building on the tradition at such a special place," added Keim.

While at Black Hawk College, Keim managed compliance, eligibility, and academic support for student-athletes and served as Arrowhead Athletic Conference Chairperson. Before that, he was the head assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Saint Leo in 2020 before the season was cut short by the pandemic. From 2016 to 2019, Keim was an assistant coach at Quincy University, leading the Hawks to a 149-79 record, four NCAA Tournament appearances, and a trip to the 2017 College World Series.

As a player, Keim spent two seasons with the Black Hawk College Braves (2011-2012) before transferring to Illinois State and then finishing his collegiate career at Saint Joseph's under former Saint Leo coach Rick O'Dette. He was a two-way player, pitching and playing infield, helping the Braves achieve top-five national rankings and records of 44-9 and 45-10, along with consecutive Arrowhead Athletic Conference and sectional championships, and NJCAA Region 4 Tournament appearances. At Saint Joseph's, Keim recorded over 100 hits in two seasons and was named a First Team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference infielder.

Keim is a Quad-Cities native and graduated from Rock Island High School while he earned an associate degree at Black Hawk. He completed a bachelor's degree in sports management at Saint Joseph's and obtained a master's degree in leadership education at Quincy University.