SAN DIEGO — Ryan Welch has been added to the San Diego baseball coaching staff, as announced by head coach Brock Ungricht on Friday afternoon.

Welch will serve as the program's volunteer assistant coach.

"I'm super excited to have Ryan Welch join our staff as an assistant coach," said Ungricht. "He brings years of coaching and leadership experience to assist in the development of our scholar-athletes. Most importantly, his relationship-building skills are second to none, which will be a great addition to our program."

Welch joins USD after a diverse career that saw him coach local youth and high school baseball for over 25 years in addition to his duties as a Tactical Flight Officer and Gang Intervention Officer with the San Diego Police Department.

The Los Angeles, California native began coaching at the high school level in 2006 at nearby Torrey Pines High School before moving to Canyon Crest Academy. Welch most recently mentored student athletes at Granite Hills High School, a position he has held for the last five years.

As a 17-year veteran of the San Diego Police department, Welch's wealth of leadership experience goes beyond the diamond. While in the SDPD's Gang Unit, he oversaw the Gang Intervention Program, working with youth in underserved communities who were involved with or on the periphery of gangs. Over a one-year period, Welch worked with over 100 youth, assisting them with their academics, mental health, and physical wellbeing through a boxing program that was established solely for the group. 

Welch's most recent post with the SDPD saw him serve as a Tactical Flight Officer, accruing more than 4,500 hours of flight time as he utilized police radios, mapping systems, and thermal imaging to provide tactical awareness to patrol officers on the ground during police calls.

Ungricht, Welch, and the Toreros will begin their quest for a second consecutive NCAA postseason appearance next spring.