Out-Team.
Out-Compete.
Sustain Success.

Career Wins

.728 Win Percentage

RMAC Championships

In 28 Years

MLB Signings

Talent to the Highest Level

Coach of the Year

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference

The Journey

Chris "Skip" Hanks is a native of Carbondale, Colorado, whose journey began as a two-time All-American catcher at the College of Southern Idaho. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox, Chris played four years in their organization and a year with the Detroit Tigers before transitioning to the dugout. Inspired by his father, a football coach, and his own Master's Degree in Education/Pedagogy, Chris approached baseball not just as a strategist, but as a "Teaching Coach". He has spent his career studying the separator attributes of elite-level leadership, training, and mindset.

The CMU Dynasty

Entering his 28th season as the Mavericks Head Coach, Chris has transformed Colorado Mesa University into the winningest NCAA Division II team of the decade (2010-2019). Under his guidance, the Mavericks have secured 18 RMAC Championships and made 21 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Beyond the Diamond

Chris is a proven leader and developer of people. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Baseball Coaches Association and is the NCAA Division II Chair. He resides in Grand Junction with his wife, Nikki, and is the proud father of Jared, Kylie, and Natalie.

Championships & Postseason

• National Runner-Up: 2014 & 2019 NCAA Division II World Series.

• World Series Appearances: 2009, 2014, 2017, 2019.

• NCAA Tournament: 22 Appearances in 27 years.

• Conference Dominance: 20 Championships in 27 years.

• Consistency: No conference finish lower than 2nd in his entire 27-year career.

Coaching Honors

• Fastest to 1,000 Wins: NCAA Division II History.

• National Coach of the Year: 2019, 2021, 2026 (NCBWA).

• Regional Coach of the Year: 4-Time ABCA Winner (2009, 2014, 2017, 2019).

• RMAC Coach of the Year: 15-Time Winner.

Player Development

• MLB Draft Picks: 43 players drafted and signed by MLB organizations.

• Major Leaguers: Coached 4 MLB players, including 3-time World Series Champion Sergio Romo.

• All-Americans: 28 NCAA All-Americans and 4 National Players of the Year.

• Statistical Dominance: 28 NCAA National Statistical Championships, including 26 for hitting and 1 for fielding.

Sergio Romo and the Coach Who Kept His Word

How one coach can change everything. Former San Francisco Giant and World Series winner, Sergio Romo shares his experience with his coach Chris Hanks and how he pushed him to grow not just as a player, but as a person. From accountability to confidence, this story highlights the importance of keeping your word and the impact of having someone who believes in you and challenges you to be better every day.

Inside the Herd: Episode 1

Ella Steele sits down with longtime head baseball coach Chris Hanks to talk about several different topics including his Minor League Baseball career and how he found his way back home to Colorado to coach baseball.

CMU Commencement Speech 2025

Colorado Mesa University's Head Baseball Coach Chris Hanks speaks at the December 2025 Commencement Ceremony. His message to graduates: attitude is everything.

Maverick Baseball Interview with Dean Allen

Chris Hanks believes in creating sustained success by "Out-Teaming" and "Out-Competing" opponents. His systems are designed to develop leaders who operate with high standards, outstanding attitudes, and great discipline.