Head coach of CWU’s baseball team, Desi Storey, reached a career milestone of 700 career wins in his time coaching here in Ellensburg, Washington. Storey has spent 33 seasons as the head coach of the Wildcats as well as playing here in his college days. 

This achievement came after junior pitcher Jonathen Garza II threw a no-hitter against Saint Martin’s University on April 6, distracting Storey from realizing his own milestone.

“To be honest I didn’t even know,” Storey said. “I was more excited about John’s no hitter and the fact we got the sweep. I’m proud of what our guys have done over the years.”  

Thirty years is a long time to stay in the same place, though Storey has had no issues with it as he has met plenty of great people from his time playing at CWU to his time now as a coach.

“I love the place,” Storey said. “I had a lot of success here. The opportunity to come back was just awesome. Having the groups of guys I’ve had for 30 plus years, that is what kind of keeps me going because those guys are awesome.”

Throughout his time at CWU, Storey has been put into situations where he’s learned things about himself as well. Storey credited many of his coaches that he’s had over the years for what he’s discovered about himself and how it has carried over into his coaching practices. 

“I’ve learned to be myself. I was fortunate to have a lot of great coaches when I was playing and probably the biggest thing they told me was just be yourself,” Storey said. “And you know, maybe I am a little bit unorthodox at times, but I think it works.”

Alex Reffner is a senior student assistant coach and has been part of the team since 2022. Reffner praised how Storey has helped him improve as a coach as well as how he’s been able to create a family-like culture at CWU.

“Coach Storey is a great mentor,” Reffner said. “I like how he adjusted my coaching with kids being the same age and older than me by being an instructor. When I came aboard he welcomed me instantly and taught me how things are done here at Central.”

Sophomore starting first baseman Andrew Sharp mentioned how he appreciates the personable and approachable nature of Storey, and said that his main goal is to see his players succeed. 

“He has helped me a lot as a player just adjusting my mindset to this level of baseball,” Sharp said. “He also has pushed me to be a better player by keeping me accountable for my actions on the field.”