Biography

New Mexico native Steve Appel has served as Vice President of Campus Facilities & Athletics at the University of the Southwest since 2022, providing strategic leadership over athletic operations and campus facility development. Since joining USW in 2014 as Head Baseball Coach, Appel has played a central role in transforming the university’s athletic department into a competitive and growth-oriented program within the Red River Athletic Conference.

Appel’s leadership has driven significant progress in both performance and infrastructure. As head baseball coach, he built the Mustang program into a consistent contender, recording over 200 wins in his first seven seasons and leading the team to back-to-back RRAC Tournament appearances, including a 33-win season in 2022—one of the best in program history. That success laid the foundation for broader departmental growth and helped elevate the university’s athletic profile.

At the administrative level, Appel has been instrumental in advancing major facility projects across campus. He helped secure the largest donation in university history, which funded a state-of-the-art indoor baseball facility and comprehensive renovations to Jake Williams Field. Under his leadership, enhancements have included a new playing surface, upgraded fencing, grandstand improvements, a rebuilt backstop with modern netting and padding, new bullpen areas, and a fully enclosed complex. Additional projects under his direction include the construction of a new on-campus softball field and the development of upgraded baseball facilities featuring a locker room, weight room, and restroom complex—significantly improving the student-athlete experience and recruiting capabilities.

Appel’s leadership extends beyond facilities and competition. He has emphasized a culture of academic success and community engagement across the department, with teams consistently achieving strong academic performance and actively contributing to community outreach initiatives.

In 2019, Appel was named Director of Athletics, expanding his oversight to all athletic programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a decisive relocation of USW athletic teams to Sky Ranch in Texas, allowing programs to continue training and competition during a challenging period when many institutions were unable to operate.

A native of Socorro, New Mexico, Appel began his collegiate playing career at Fort Scott Community College before transferring to the University of Bridgeport, where he served as team captain, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He began his coaching career at Bridgeport, rising to top assistant and pitching coach while developing one of the nation’s top pitching staffs.

Through a combination of strategic vision, operational leadership, and a commitment to student-athlete development, Appel continues to shape the athletic and physical landscape of the University of the Southwest.