LAKE WALES, FL – Warner University Athletics is excited to announce the promotion of Luke Jaksich to Interim Head Baseball Coach. Coach Jaksich, who joined the Royals as the pitching coach in 2024, has made a significant impact on the program, and we are thrilled to see him step into this leadership role.

Warner University Athletics would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach Rich Benjamin, who has accepted a position at the professional level. Coach Benjamin's influence as both a coach and a Christian leader has left an indelible mark on the lives of our student-athletes. His contributions to the program have been instrumental in shaping its identity and continuing a culture of excellence and faith that Jeff Sikes began.

"First let me congratulate Rich on his new position with the St. Louis Cardinals. I know his dream was to be a professional coach, and by the grace of God, he is getting that opportunity. Where most of the time these situations can be very challenging with the timing of these opportunities, I am more than confident that our Interim Head Coach Luke Jaksich, two Assistant Coaches, Nolan Davenport and Danny Coca, and the rest of our staff will be able to step forward and lead these men spiritually and physically on and off the field. We're thrilled to also announce that Royal Baseball Coaching legend and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Coach, Jeff Sikes, will be assisting the program with weekly devotions." - Sean Hanrahan, Warner University Athletic Director

Coach Jaksich brings a wealth of experience to the Royals. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in St. John, Indiana, he is a graduate of Andrean High School, where he won two state championships in 2014 and 2015. After starting his collegiate baseball career at Saint Joseph's College, where the team made a Division II NCAA Regional, he transferred to Ball State University following the closure of Saint Joseph's College in 2018. At Ball State, Coach Jaksich excelled, achieving a 3.45 ERA in 2021 with 73 innings pitched and 96 strikeouts. He graduated with a degree in General Studies and minors in Communications and Psychology.

Following his playing career, Coach Jaksich entered coaching with stops at Alderson Broaddus University and PRP Baseball in Indianapolis, where he worked closely with professional pitchers and collegiate athletes. His expertise in pitching development and his commitment to fostering faith-based leadership make him an excellent fit for leading the Royals into the future.

"Coach Benjamin has had an unbelievable impact on our team and on me personally," said Coach Jaksich. "His guidance as a coach and his example as a follower of Christ have been invaluable. I am honored to continue building on the foundation he has laid. We are thrilled for him and this exciting opportunity at the professional level."

As the Royals gear up for the upcoming season, Coach Jaksich's expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to faith-driven leadership set a strong foundation for the program's ongoing success. To follow along the Royals 2025 season, visit https://warnerroyals.com/sports/baseball/schedule.