Opening Weekend for TJC Apache Baseball: A New Chapter with Coach Brett Doe

Tyler, TX – As the 2025 season kicks off, the TJC Apache Baseball team is looking to make an impact with a new direction under first-year head coach Brett Doe. In an exclusive interview with Assistant Athletic Director Tyelar Rohman, Doe shared his excitement for the upcoming season while reflecting on the challenges and growth of stepping into a program with a winning tradition.

With the team's opening day rapidly approaching, Coach Doe expressed his enthusiasm for the start of the season but also acknowledged the unique transition of joining a team where the majority of the players were recruited by his predecessor, current Apache Athletic Director Doug Wren. When asked how the team was shaping up, Doe admitted that he wasn't sure what to expect from the players but has been pleasantly surprised by how well both he and Assistant Coach Eli Egger have bonded with the group.

"Overwhelmed with how much we enjoy coaching these guys. It's nice taking over a program that was in a really good place and also challenging to build on top of that foundation that has been laid," Doe said. "Challenging in a good way, finding small things to adjust that fit with us and how we coach. The players have done a great job buying in."

Doe also emphasized the positive culture that's been created within the team, highlighting how the players have fully bought into the program's new direction. When asked about the mentality he's trying to instill, Doe pointed to the importance of a 'player-centered' approach.

"It's all about growth and preparation," he explained. "I've been brought in to be myself, and I trust that this group will continue to develop if we stay true to who we are. The attitude here is contagious, and the players have really embraced that mentality."

As for the team's roster, Doe is excited about the infusion of new talent, particularly among the incoming freshmen and transfers. The team's blend of returning players and new faces—many of whom followed Doe and Egger from their previous school, Dodge City Community College—has resulted in a more seasoned squad overall.

One transfer in particular that Doe is excited about is Garret Carter, a pitcher who joined the Apache staff after playing under Doe at DCCC. Doe believes Carter will play a major role in the team's pitching rotation this season.

In addition to Carter, Doe highlighted a number of other transfers and freshmen who've impressed during the offseason. Freshman catcher Chase Fuentes has already emerged as a leader in the pitching group, while third-year returner Finn Kaiyala will continue to provide stability behind the plate. On the mound, Doe is excited about a talented crop of freshmen that include Diego Astrada, Trevor Breaux, Dylan Davenport, Nate Pendland, and Chris Langley. With so much potential, Doe joked that listing all of the talent on the team could take up an entire video.

"We have a lot of great young arms on this team," he said. "The ceiling is high for these guys, and they've really come together during the fall to build a solid foundation."

Doe also shared his excitement for a few key position players. Freshman Landry Stamps has stood out as a potential impact bat, while shortstop Sawyer Dunagan is someone Doe is especially excited about moving forward.

Looking back at Fall Ball, Coach Doe reflected on the importance of evaluating the team and finding ways to mesh his coaching style with the strengths of each individual player. He noted that Fall Ball was as much about assessing the team as it was about understanding what roles each player could fill within the team's offensive and defensive philosophy.

"We let guys off the leash to see what they could do and what they need to work on," said Doe. "The Spring is how those strengths can fit into their offensive philosophy. What roles they can put them in to be their best selves."

As the season begins, Coach Doe is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that the foundation is strong, the talent is abundant, and the players are fully committed to their growth and success. With opening weekend just around the corner, the Apache Baseball team is primed for an exciting season ahead.