HACKENSACK, N.J. – FDU announced a contract extension for Head Baseball Coach Manny Roman on Thursday morning.

"I'm grateful and honored to continue leading the Knights Baseball program," said Roman. "I want to sincerely thank Director of Athletics Brad Hurlbut, Deputy Athletic Director Jason Young and the rest of the FDU administration. Their belief in our vision means a lot to me, my family, and our staff. I'm excited to keep pushing forward and continue to build on what we have started. Go Knights!"

Roman joined the program as an assistant coach 2021 and was named head coach prior to the 2023 season. Since their former pitching coach took charge, the Knights have posted a .642 winning percentage in conference play and have won two NEC tournament games. 
 
In Roman's first season the team set the program record for wins (31) and conference wins (20) while ranking first in 12 statistical categories and earned the #3 seed in the conference playoffs. Roman became the first FDU coach since 2016 to reach back-to-back NEC tournaments after a 18-win conference campaign in 2024.  This pair of Burgundy and Blue squads set program records in home runs, RBIs, total bases, runs, pitching staff wins, and strikeouts.

Through his first three seasons, Roman owns the FDU record for most overall wins (73) and most conference wins (54) s by a head coach in his first three seasons.

While the team has thrived, individual players have also peaked under Roman. Nine Knights have earned All-NEC accolades during Roman's tenure, along with one being named ABCA/Rawlings All-Region East Team. This list includes players who have begun professional careers such as Hunter D'Amato and Luke Cantwell.

Roman also owns the distinction of coaching FDU's all-time leaders in stolen bases, home runs, runs, hits, wins and RBIs.
 
Under Roman's tutelage, the Knights have earned the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award three times.

As part of the program's continued growth, Roman announced the promotion of assistant coach Ethan Newton to Associate Head Coach. Newton, who joined the staff in 2019, is the longest-tenured member of the coaching staff and oversees the team's hitting and baserunning.

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