Gschwender previously served as an assistant during dominant run of Village Christian Baseball success; brings 25 years of coaching experience to the program.

SUN VALLEY, CALIF. – Carl Gschwender is no stranger to Village Christian baseball.

A coaching mainstay during the program’s dominant run of three consecutive league titles and deep runs into the postseason, Gschwender will now take the helm as the Crusaders’ new head coach.

“My goal is to bring a championship to Village,” said the 25-year coaching veteran. “To do that, I need to get to know my players and coaches well, and we will work together like a well-oiled machine. … It will be a different atmosphere. I want the kids to have fun, but we want to win, and we are going to do our best to do just that.”

As an assistant under then-head coach Matt Whisenent from 2011-2016, Gschwender saw that winning formula in action—and it started with team chemistry.

“It was the camaraderie around the players,” he said. “We had a really good group of players during those years. Sure, we had transfers, but they all gelled well. And we had a good coaching staff.”

Gschwender believes he knows how that foundation is laid.

“Respect for the kids,” he said of his core coaching values. “I have a lot of respect for them coming out there and wanting to play the game. Respect for them and respect for the game.”

Most recently, Gschwender served as the head coach at La Canada and previously led Los Angeles Baptist’s program (now Heritage Christian). At VCS, he says he will bring a one-on-one coaching emphasis to player development. 

And that starts with investing in each player personally.

“I want to connect with them, and I want them to know that I’m here for them, not just on the field but off the field,” he said. “I want them to succeed in school. If they have thoughts of going to the next level, that’s what I want to help with.” 

In addition to coaching, Gschwender played the game for 18 years, including three within the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carl back into the VCS Family,” said Athletic Director Diana Putignano. “In talking to him, we picked up right where we left off, and I am eager to see him do the same thing with the baseball program.”