University of Toledo Athletics

Santiago "Santi" Garcia was hired onto the coaching staff in January 2025.

Garcia most recently spent two years at the University of Houston as the Assistant Director of Player Development, helping the Cougars to two NCAA Regional appearances. He will work with Toledo's catchers, assist with hitting and serve as the program's camp coordinator. While a part of Houston's staff, Garcia worked with hitting, baserunning and offensive scout and strategy with the Cougars. He assisted the Cougars in their transition from The American into the Big 12 from the 2023 to the 2024 seasons.

At Houston, Garcia's hitters totaled five all-conference selections over his two seasons on staff. Zach Arnold and Justin Murray were each named to the AAC's First Team in 2023. Murray and Cary Arbolida were each selected Second Team All-Big 12, and Harold Coll was given an honorable mention in 2024. As a team, the Cougars' hitters batted .290 in 2023, slugging 73 home runs, 114 doubles and stealing 112 bases, en route to a 36-23 season and a run of three wins in the AAC Tournament. In 2024, UH's first in the Big 12, the Cougars hit .270, raising their home run total to 78, along with 104 doubles and 78 stolen bases.

Garcia's coaching career came after a successful five years as a player between Alabama State (2018-21) and Houston (2022). With Alabama State, he was a two-time ABCA/Rawlings All-Southeast Region selection. He was twice named the SWAC Preseason Player of the Year, took two First-Team All-Conference awards and helped the Hornets to the league regular-season titles in 2018 and 2019. Garcia was also named to the 2022 AAC All-Tournament Team after helping the Cougars reach the title game. 

The Enterprise, Ala. native graduated with his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2021 and with his Master's degree in Global Retailing from Houston in 2023.