Varsity baseball players are noticing a difference within the program as they work with the newly hired coach for the spring 2026 season. Coach Charlie Shempf brings a mix of energy and intensity to the team and has made a strong first impression with his focus on the culture and team dynamics.
Shempf has been around the game pretty much his entire life. “I started playing baseball when I was 5 years old,” he said. By age 16, he had already become an assistant coach, and he went on to earn first-team all-conference honors at both the high school and college levels. Even with all his experience, Shempf focuses a lot on mindset. “You get what you put in when it comes to your time, practice, and effort,” he said. He credits baseball with helping him become a better teammate and leader, and he strongly believes that learning to embrace failure is essential to improvement.
One of the main reasons Shempf wanted to coach at U-High was the environment built around the program. “I grew to appreciate the culture and tradition that U-High offers,” he shared. “Strong academics, great families, community support, and motivated student athletes make it one of the best places to coach in the entire state.”
His coaching style is pretty simple: work hard and have fun. “We play hard, have fun, and act as great teammates,” he said. A central philosophy Shempf emphasizes for his players is “we over me” and supporting each other rather than pursuing individual recognition.
Returning players have noticed a clear shift in the program, especially in the energy and attitude at not only practices but also games. “Coach Shempf has a lot of positive energy that makes me want to play baseball for him,” senior Cade Cunningham said.
Fellow senior Isaiah Giganti shared his first impression of Shempf as “very intense,” adding that “he’s the perfect fit for what we’re trying to build.” Players respect his seriousness about team improvement while also feeling comfortable building relationships with him.
Sophomore Wes Thompson offered a slightly different take. “[Shempf is a] chill guy, who just wants us to have fun and become the best player and person we can be,” he said. That balance between intensity and support has stood out to the players on the team.
The results of Shempf’s influence are already showing. “He has already pushed each and every one of us to get better every day and makes practice more enjoyable,” Cunningham said.
Giganti added, “Even only 6 games in, the impact that Coach Shempf has had on us is huge. He’s completely changed the culture of the program and is a big reason for winning games.”
The team has big goals this season. Players aim to compete with any team they face and hope to make it deep into the playoffs, and some are eyeing a conference title or possibly even a state championship. The focus, however, remains on daily skill improvement. “I’m excited to learn all the little things about the game that will push us to win many ball games this year,” Cunningham said. Other players expressed how they’re looking forward to learning the pace of play at the varsity level and gaining more knowledge of the game.
Overall, the team appears more motivated and connected than before, and Shempf seems equally energized by the opportunity. “I can’t wait to represent the U!” he said. With a new coach and a united team, U-High baseball is heading into the season with a fresh mindset and high expectations.
