Karsten Whitson was named a volunteer assistant of for the USF baseball program in July of 2019 and was promoted to full-time assistant coach in July 2021. His primary role is serving as the Bulls' pitching coach.
The former first-round MLB Draft selection of the San Diego Padres in 2010 was a member of the USA National U18 team in 2009. He played at the University of Florida from 2010-14 and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He played in the Red Sox organization until 2016.
The Bulls' staff was plagued with injuries during the 2022 campaign, hit particularly hard by the loss of ace Jack Jasiak prior to the start of conference play. Jasiak was off to a 2-0 start with a 1.32 ERA and 0.66 WHIP in five starts before being shut down for the remainder of the season. Whitson helped mentor southpaw Ethan Brown into Jasiak's place in the rotation and oversaw the emergence of several new bullpen arms, including true freshman and Tampa native Joey Volini (2-0, 3.86 ERA). Florida transfer Hunter Mink stepped into the closer role with Orion Kerkering's move to the starting rotation and was named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List.
Kerkering was one of three Bulls picked from the "Arm Farm" in the 2022 MLB Draft, selected by the Phillies in the fifth round. Jack Jasiak was drafted by Cleveland in the 12th round and Brad Lord went to Washington in the 18th round.
Whitson's pitching staff was a catalyst to USF's historic postseason run in 2021. The Bulls led the AAC in ERA (3.23), WHIP (1.23), opponent batting average (.220) and hits allowed/nine innings (7.34) over 28 conference games. The pitching staff posted a 3.00 ERA while striking out 34 batters over 36.0 IP in the Gainesville Regional (vs. Florida, Miami & South Alabama) as USF advanced to the program's first-ever Super Regional. The Bulls concluded the year ranked 49th in the NCAA in WHIP (1.34), 61st in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.53) and 66th in strikeouts/9-innings (9.2). Collin Sullivan was named to the All-AAC Second Team in his final season at USF and signed a professional contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
During the abbreviated 2020 season, Whitson orchestrated a dominant pitching staff. The weekend starters for the Bulls finished the season tossing 97 strikeouts through 64.2 innings of work. The pitching staff displayed strong outings from newcomers and veterans. Carson Ragsdale led the team with 37 strikeouts, while freshman standout Jasiak finished with 28 strikeouts. The Bulls pitching staff finished 11th in the country and first in the AAC for strikeouts per nine innings with 11.8.Collin Sullivan had a career-high 14 strikeout night against Northwestern (2/28/20). The Bulls finished with 201 strikeouts while allowing 65 walks.
“Karsten’s background will be a huge asset in helping develop our pitching staff," said head coach Billy Mohl. "His experiences include being a first-round draft pick out of high school, a two-time All-American at the University of Florida who competed in Omaha twice, and an 11th-round pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2014. He also has coached some of the best players in the country while being a pitching coach for the USA Baseball U18 National Development Program. We are glad to have him as part of the Bulls family.”
Prior to USF, Whitson spent the previous two years as an assistant coach at Pensacola State College, where he managed and developed the pitching staff.
Whitson served as a pitching coach with the USA Baseball U18 National Development Program in 2018. He also served as an associate scout with the Minnesota Twins in the past and was a pitching coach with the Bismarck Larks of the Northwoods League in 2017.
Whitson was part of two SEC Championship teams and two College World Series teams during his time at Florida. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and was a two-time collegiate All-American. He was also named the Perfect Game Pitcher of the Year and was a gold medal recipient at the COPABE “AAA” Pan American Championships during his playing career.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to have the opportunity to join Coach Mohl’s staff,” said Whitson. “I am eager to begin to help each pitcher develop into their best self in an effort to add to the winning culture Coach Mohl and the athletic department foster here at USF.”
The Florida native was named the USOC and USA Baseball Volunteer Coach of the Year in 2018. He was also an Assistant Coach of the Year nominee in 2017 for the Larks. Whitson graduated from Florida in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in family, youth and community sciences.
What’s being said about Whitson
Lance Carter: former MLB ALL-Star for the Rays…
“I'm very happy for Karsten and his family for this opportunity to help mentor and guide the student-athletes at the University of South Florida. Karsten is a high character individual that was eager to learn and I truly enjoyed working with him during his time as a Red Sox minor league pitcher. He will bring energy and enthusiasm to the Bulls program. Through his experiences as a DI college pitcher, as a professional baseball player and a work ethic to learn and grow, USF has added an outstanding individual to the staff.”
Kevin O’Sullivan – head baseball coach, University of Florida…
“Karsten is a great fit for the University of South Florida. Karsten is a tireless worker and will easily connect with the student-athletes at USF. Karsten is a rising star in our profession and will have an immediate impact at USF.”
Troy Cameron – USA Baseball U15 National Team Manager, St. Thomas Aquinas Head Coach…
“Karsten is one of the best young coaches you are going to find. His ability to relate to millennials and today’s players is uncommon. USF has a rock star in Karsten leading their pitching staff.”
