Tom Nilles - 2026 ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Coach of the Year

Today’s guest on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA/ATEC Pacific Association Coach of the Year, Tom Nilles. In 11 seasons leading Santa Ana College, Nilles has guided the program to two state championships and four state tournament appearances.

The 2026 team put together one of the greatest seasons in school history, setting program records with 44 wins, 563 runs scored, and 80 home runs on its way to a state championship. The Dons also captured their first Orange Empire Conference title since 2014, earning Nilles OEC and California Community College Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year honors for the second time in his career. Nilles earned his 300th career win in the final game of the season. He now trails only the legendary Don Sneddon in program history in both wins and state championships. That championship followed another memorable run in 2023, when Nilles led Santa Ana to its first state title since 1996, guiding a 36-win team through a dominant postseason finish.

Nilles’ impact goes well beyond Santa Ana. Before taking over the Dons, he helped rebuild the Fullerton College program, leading the Hornets to their first postseason appearance since 1992, their first OEC championship, and their first state championship appearance. Earlier in his career, he was part of a Sierra College staff that captured the 2008 state championship.

Throughout his coaching career, Nilles has helped develop professional draft picks, Division I scholarship athletes, All-Americans, and countless players who have gone on to compete at the four-year level.

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