We had the pleasure of speaking with Nick Pontari, the head coach of our Baseball team here at SUNY Brockport. A proud Brockport alumnus and former team captain, Pontari returned to lead the Golden Eagle program in June 2025 as the 13th head coach in program history, succeeding longtime mentor Justin Beach. Before returning to Brockport, Pontari served as the head coach at Russell Sage College, where he built the program from the ground up and quickly led the team to two Empire 8 Conference Tournament appearances and a regular season conference title. Known for his strong recruiting and commitment to academic success, his teams consistently performed well both on the field and in the classroom. We asked Coach Pontari a series of questions regarding the upcoming season, the standards he sets for his players, the culture he hopes to build within the program, and more to get an inside look at the future of Golden Eagle Baseball.

Below you will find the interview we conducted with Nick Pontari for our Alumni Newsletter. 

Coming Home to Brockport

What does it mean to you to return to SUNY Brockport as a head coach, and how has your experience as a former Golden Eagle shaped your approach to this role? 

"It truly is an honor to return back to SUNY Brockport as the Head Coach of the Baseball Program. The opportunity to be a part of something that means so much to so many people, and have the opportunity to push others to being the best they can be is a blessing. My experience as an Alumni and Assistant Coach of the program has made the transition as smooth as it can be. I was where these young men were one day not to long ago; and know the values, the work ethic, and challenging environment we create will help the guys on our roster not only now, but in the future as well."

Program Vision 

As you begin your first season, what are the core values and standards you want to establish within your program? 

"The core values and standards of the program have been instilled by Coach Beach since I was a student-athlete here. We have always taken pride in our attitude, commitment, and effort towards not only our program, but how we go about completing tasks and living our lives on a day to day basis. "How you do one thing, is how you do everything." If we hold true to those values, then the standard of excellence speaks for itself, and there is no drop off."

Early Impressions 

In your first months on campus, what has stood out to you about today's student-athletes, Brockport Athletics, or the overall campus culture? 

"I think that in my first few months back on campus, it has been great to see the pride that everyone takes in being here at Brockport. The support that teams get at home events, and how welcoming everyone is here most certainly sets Brockport apart from others."

Message to Alumni 

What would you like to say to Brockport alumni as you start this new chapter, and how do you hope they stay connected to the program moving forward?1. Behind-the-Scenes Insight 

"Our team of guys here are thrilled to work as hard as they can to represent the foundation that our alumni have established here for current guys. There are so many alumni who have came through the program, left it better than it was when they got here, and who have gone on and set a great example on how to be great members of society and make a meaningful impact. The members of our current roster notice this, and are working to continue to build and represent the brand that all of us alumni represent."

What is something fans or alumni might not see that you're especially proud of—team culture, training focus, resilience, or academic commitment? 

"All of the above. I think that alumni have the insight on the level of commitment it takes to be apart of the program, and what it takes on a day to day basis here. We take pride in everything we do; from academics/internships to fundraising/donation support to handling adversity and preparing to compete at the highest level on the field. It truly is a grind for our guys, but they handle everything at a great level and lean on each other for support."

Looking Ahead 

What excites you most about the future of your program—returners, incoming recruits, new initiatives, or developmental priorities? 

"Again, all the above. We have a great group of guys on our roster that take pride in representing the program and who are dedicated to becoming the best they can be. That has without a doubt helped us attract people who we feel are great fits for our program to come in in the future and add value both on and off the field. The dedication that our guys have to fundraising, and the amazing support we get from friends, family, and alumni have helped with initiatives to help better the facilities and experience here for each person that is in the program."

Alumni Connection 

Do you have a message you'd like to share with your alumni or former players? 

"We will be sending out a newsletter prior to our first game this season with updates on the program, facilities, schedule, and all the great things our current roster members are doing. We couldn't be more grateful for the support that our alumni have given us over the years, and look forward to continue to celebrate their accomplishments and connecting with as many alumni as we can."

Golden Eagle Values 

How does your team embody the values of SUNY Brockport Athletics, both on and off the field? 

"Our team embodies the values of the athletic department on a day-to-day basis both on and off the field by treating others with respect, understanding differences, listening before speaking, and being genuine in their actions. We pride ourselves on supporting others and being welcoming. Our group also takes a tremendous amount of pride in working for everything that they earn, and aren't afraid of working for what they want. It truly is a "blue collar" program, and we believe it sets our guys up to be successful members of society when they're done representing Brockport on the field."