Addison Rouse enters his first season as Head Baseball Coach of the Warner University Royals, bringing with him over 16 years of coaching experience across NAIA and NCAA Division II & III programs. A native of Florence, Kentucky, Rouse has established a proven track record of competitive success, academic achievement, and Christ-centered leadership throughout his career.
Rouse comes to Warner following five seasons as Head Coach at Saint Xavier University (Ill.), where he revitalized the Cougars’ program and guided them to multiple postseason runs. His tenure was highlighted by the program’s first 40-win season since 2009 (2022), two CCAC Tournament Championships (2023 & 2025), and four straight NAIA Opening Round appearances. Under his leadership, SXU also earned ABCA Academic Excellence Awards in four consecutive years, produced eight professional signees, and developed two CSC Academic All-Americans.
Before his time in Chicago, Rouse served as Head Coach at Salem University (W.Va.), where he set a program record for wins in 2019 and led the Tigers to their best winning percentage since moving to NCAA Division II. He also guided the program to three ABCA Team Academic Excellence Awards and coached five All-East Coast Athletic Conference honorees.
Rouse began his head coaching career at Eastern Nazarene College (Mass.), where his teams produced multiple All-Conference selections and he mentored the league’s Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He also gained valuable coaching experience as an assistant at Brescia University (Ky.) and Henderson State University (Ark.), as well as with Medicine Hat American Legion Baseball in Alberta, Canada.
As a player, Rouse competed at both Ohio Valley University (NCAA Division II) and Brescia University (NAIA), where he helped lead his team to a KIAC Championship (2009) and two NAIA National Tournament appearances. He earned his B.A. in English from Brescia University (2009) and later his M.S. in Sports Administration from Henderson State University (2012).
Beyond the diamond, Rouse has served the game as a 12-year member of the ABCA, a USA Baseball Regional Clinic Speaker (2021), and a clinic speaker at the IHSBCA Coaches Convention (2022). He has also contributed at the national level as part of the NAIA World Series Games Committee and is an active NAIA Champions of Character Ambassador.
Warner University Athletic Director Sean Hanrahan praised the hire, stating: “Coach Rouse brings a consistent record of excellence both on the field and in the classroom. His championship pedigree, holistic approach to student-athlete development, and commitment to Christ-centered leadership make him an ideal fit to lead the future of Royals Baseball.”
Rouse and his wife, Alisha, reside in Lake Wales with their children, Davy Gray, Drew Gray, and Shae.
