The Valparaiso University baseball program and head coach Brian Schmack have announced the addition of Mitchell Boe as the program’s volunteer assistant coach.

A Naperville, Ill. native and product of Joliet Catholic High School, Boe played collegiately at the University of Iowa from 2016-2019.

“I am very honored to be part of this program,” Boe said. “What really caught my interest while considering Valpo was the family atmosphere the coaching staff and the players have established here. Everyone seems to be pulling in the right direction, and that’s exciting to be a part of. The first day of practice can’t come soon enough. I am excited to get started with the guys.”

Boe appeared in 193 games for the Hawkeyes, tied for the ninth most in program history. He received Iowa’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2019, when he was one of four team captains and started 46 games at second base. He hit safely in 34 games and boasted eight multi-hit performances, including a pair of three-hit games. From March 24-April 17, he compiled a career-best 17-game on-base streak. Boe finished his senior season with a .257 batting average, 28 runs and 19 RBIs.

Boe also started 50 games as a junior in 2018, 49 at second base and one at shortstop. He hit safely in 30 games and reached safely in 38 contests while achieving 10 multi-hit games. He started all seven games at second base at the 2017 World Games after starting 59 games at second for the Hawkeyes in 2017, when he drove in 26 and worked 23 walks. He hit .500 (5-for-10) during NCAA Regional play, second best on the team, while driving in a team-high four runs. He started 18 games at second base as a freshman in 2016.

Boe will serve as the team’s infield and baserunning instructor while also coaching first base for the Beacons.

“I was looking for a young, energetic coach and Mitch was highly recommended,” head coach Brian Schmack said. “I’m looking forward to having him on our staff. He was a starter for a quality program at Iowa. We’re looking forward to the knowledge that he will bring to the table.”

Valpo is coming off its highest league winning percentage since joining the prestigious Missouri Valley Conference in 2021. The season culminated on a high note as Valpo won two games in the MVC Tournament for the first time since joining the league and was one of the final four teams standing in the tournament, joining a pair of NCAA Regional qualifiers in Indiana State and DBU plus a Southern Illinois team that enjoyed a 40-win season.