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    Meet Coach Skip

    Meet Your Coach

    Chris 'Skip' Hanks

    The Journey

    Chris "Skip" Hanks is a native of Carbondale, Colorado, whose journey began as a two-time All-American catcher at the College of Southern Idaho. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox, Chris played four years in their organization and a year with the Detroit Tigers before transitioning to the dugout. Inspired by his father, a football coach, and his own Master's Degree in Education/Pedagogy, Chris approached baseball not just as a strategist, but as a "Teaching Coach". He has spent his career studying the separator attributes of elite-level leadership, training, and mindset.

    The CMU Dynasty

    Entering his 28th season as the Mavericks Head Coach, Chris has transformed Colorado Mesa University into the winningest NCAA Division II team of the decade (2010-2019). Under his guidance, the Mavericks have secured 18 RMAC Championships and made 21 NCAA Tournament appearances.

    Beyond the Diamond

    Chris is a proven leader and developer of people. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Baseball Coaches Association and is the NCAA Division II Chair. He resides in Grand Junction with his wife, Nikki, and is the proud father of Jared, Kylie, and Natalie.

    Coach Skip Hanks speaking at Game Changer Awards

    Game Changer Award

    Positive Coaching Alliance 2026

    Coach Skip Hanks with wife Nikki
    Coach Skip Hanks on the field
    Coach Skip Hanks coaching on the diamond
    Coach Skip Hanks at event

    By The Numbers

    A 27-Year Standard of Excellence

    Championships & Postseason

    • National Runner-Up: 2014 & 2019 NCAA Division II World Series.

    • World Series Appearances: 2009, 2014, 2017, 2019.

    • NCAA Tournament: 22 Appearances in 27 years.

    • Conference Dominance: 20 Championships in 27 years.

    • Consistency: No conference finish lower than 2nd in his entire 27-year career.

    Coaching Honors

    • Fastest to 1,000 Wins: NCAA Division II History.

    • National Coach of the Year: 2019, 2021, 2026 (NCBWA).

    • Regional Coach of the Year: 4-Time ABCA Winner (2009, 2014, 2017, 2019).

    • RMAC Coach of the Year: 15-Time Winner.

    Player Development

    • MLB Draft Picks: 43 players drafted and signed by MLB organizations.

    • Major Leaguers: Coached 4 MLB players, including 3-time World Series Champion Sergio Romo.

    • All-Americans: 28 NCAA All-Americans and 4 National Players of the Year.

    • Statistical Dominance: 28 NCAA National Statistical Championships, including 26 for hitting and 1 for fielding.