Apdiel Vazquez

Softball

Frost Hires Vazquez as Nicholls Softball Assistant/Recruiting Coordinator

THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls State University head softball coach Ron Frost announced a new addition to his coaching staff as Apdiel Vazquez has joined the Colonels as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

"Losing Coach Sparks was tough but adding Coach Ap is huge," Coach Frost said. "With his knowledge of hitting, infield play and catching, he will be able to help continue what we are building here in Thibodaux. His success in growth and development has shown up every stop he has made."

During his second season at Midwestern State University, the offense saw major improvement with a 76-point increase in batting average (.292), a 175-point increase in OPS (.790), 113 more hits (400), 88 more RBIs (210), a 103-point increase in slugging percentage(.416), and 34 fewer strikeouts compared to the previous year. The Mustangs earned two All-Lone Star Conference selections.

Vazquez joined the Mustangs in 2024 as an assistant, serving as the hitting, catching, and infield coach. In his first year, MSU saw improvements in all aspects of hitting, including a 34-point increase in batting average, a 75-point increase in OPS, a 42-point increase in slugging, and 89 fewer strikeouts during the season.

During his second year as head coach at Bethany College, Vazquez compiled a record of 26–22 which included wins over No. 16 Ottawa and RV Oklahoma Wesleyan, finishing fourth in the KCAC standings. In 2023, the Swedes earned multiple All-KCAC honors, including KCAC Player of the Year, two Gold Glove selections, and multiple All-KCAC honorable mentions. He also coached the program's first NAIA First Team All-American in Bethany's history.

In his first season as head coach, Vazquez had a record of 17–26, which featured a win over No. 12 Grand View (Iowa). The Swedes earned several all- conference honors, including one KCAC Second Team selection, four honorable mentions, and one KCAC Gold Glove Award.

Prior to being head coach at Bethany, Vazquez worked as an assistant for three seasons. He was the top assistant during his last two years, which included the Swedes' historic run to the 2021 NAIA Softball World Series Final Four. Vazquez served as the team's hitting, infield, first base, and catchers coach, and was also the program's head junior varsity coach.

During his time on staff, Vazquez mentored student-athletes who earned honors such as KCAC Co-Player of the Year, KCAC Freshman of the Year, three KCAC First Team selections, three KCAC Second Team selections, four KCAC honorable mention selections, and one KCAC Gold Glove winner. The Swedes ranked No. 17 nationally, marking the highest ranking in school history and their first national ranking in eight years. He also coached three student-athletes who earned NFCA NAIA All-Region recognition, two NAIA Softball World Series All-Tournament Team members, and one CoSIDA Academic All-District selection.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Vazquez was a three-year member of the Bethany College baseball team, where he was the starting catcher during his junior and senior seasons. Known for his defensive prowess, Vazquez posted a stellar .988 fielding percentage.