Joel Sanchez returned to Bethune-Cookman in 2022 and serves as an assistant coach and pitching coach for the Wildcats, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. Since his return to Daytona Beach, Sanchez has quickly reestablished one of the premier pitching staffs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, guiding Bethune-Cookman to league-leading earned run averages in 2025, 2024, and 2022, while finishing second in 2023.
Under Sanchez’s direction, the Wildcats have consistently produced some of the conference’s top arms and award winners. In 2025, Jean Zambrano earned SWAC Relief Pitcher of the Year honors and All-SWAC First Team recognition, while Edwin Sanchez was named to the All-SWAC Second Team. The 2024 campaign saw Pablo Torres claim SWAC Relief Pitcher of the Year and All-SWAC First Team accolades, while Tanner Boccabello was recognized as the SWAC Newcomer of the Year and a First Team selection. In 2023, Joan Gonzalez earned SWAC Relief Pitcher of the Year and First Team honors, joined by fellow First Team selection Nolan Santos. Sanchez’s staff has been defined by its depth, consistency, and ability to develop impact pitchers capable of excelling in high-leverage situations.
Sanchez’s emphasis on pitching mechanics, fundamentals, and player development has been a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy throughout his career. His ability to recruit and develop talent has translated into both individual success and team-wide improvement, with his pitchers consistently ranking among the best in the conference.
Prior to his return to Bethune-Cookman, Sanchez built an extensive coaching résumé that includes a stint at Jackson State beginning in 2019, as well as previous collegiate stops at North Carolina A&T and Daytona State. He also gained professional experience as a pitching coach in Minor League Baseball with affiliates of the Washington Nationals organization.
Sanchez is no stranger to Bethune-Cookman, having previously served on the Wildcats’ coaching staff from 2001-08. During that time, he helped guide the program to seven Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championships and NCAA Regional appearances, while playing a key role in developing numerous all-conference performers and professional prospects.
A native of Jal, New Mexico, Sanchez played collegiately at New Mexico State University, where he was a two-year letterwinner as both a pitcher and infielder. He later played professionally in Mexico before transitioning into coaching.
