Posted: Jun 24, 2026
SPC Baseball Head Coach Oscar Espada has announced the addition of two familiar faces to the Titans coaching staff for the 2026-27 season, as former SPC standouts Coltin Pizzio and Diego Aponte return to the program that helped launch their baseball careers.
Both Pizzio and Aponte were members of Espada's first roster at SPC (2022-23) and spent two seasons developing under his leadership. Now, after successful collegiate careers, the former Titans return to St. Petersburg College to help guide the next generation of student-athletes.
Following his time at SPC, Aponte continued his playing career at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, competing at the NCAA Division I level in the Northeast Conference (NEC). Pizzio remained in Florida, finishing his collegiate career at Eckerd College, where he competed in the Sunshine State Conference at the NCAA Division II level.
"Bringing Coltin and Diego back to our program is something I'm extremely excited about," said Espada. "They were foundational pieces of my first team as Head Coach here and helped establish the culture and standards that continue to define SPC Baseball today."
Espada believes both coaches will bring a unique combination of baseball knowledge, leadership, and mentorship to the Titans dugout.
"Both of these young men have always had exceptional baseball knowledge and a tremendous feel for the game," Espada said. "But what stands out even more is their character. They are hardworking, selfless individuals who care deeply about helping others succeed. Their work ethic, integrity, and passion for the game make them natural leaders and outstanding role models for our players."
For Pizzio, returning to SPC represents an opportunity to give back to a program that had a profound impact on his personal and athletic development.
"Being a player at SPC under Coach Oscar was an experience that helped shape me both on and off the field," said Pizzio. "Coach Oscar taught me much more than how to become a better baseball player. He taught me the value of hard work, discipline, accountability, and responsibility."
The opportunity to return as a coach is one Pizzio does not take lightly.
"Having the opportunity to return to SPC as a coach is truly an honor," Pizzio said. "It allows me to give back to the program that played such an important role in my development and to help the next generation of players grow both as athletes and as young men. I hope to share the knowledge, experiences, and lessons I learned from the game, both mentally and physically, while making a positive impact on our players and the SPC community."
Aponte echoed those sentiments, reflecting on the pride he felt representing the Titans throughout his collegiate career.
"It was always an honor to be a Titan," said Aponte. "I took great pride in saying that I came from St. Petersburg College, especially from its baseball program, which is highly respected at the junior college level."
Aponte credits his experience at SPC and Espada's leadership for preparing him to compete at the highest levels of college baseball.
"My time at SPC made me mentally tougher and helped me learn how to handle adversity, both on and off the field," Aponte said. "Under Coach Espada's leadership, we were taught how to stay strong, perform under pressure, and hold ourselves to a high standard every day. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career."
After completing two seasons at the Division I level, Aponte believes the foundation built at SPC was instrumental in his continued success.
"As a college baseball player, I was fortunate to continue my journey at the Division I level for two years and finish my collegiate career competing at the highest level of college baseball," Aponte said. "The foundation I built at SPC played a huge role in making that possible."
Now returning to the program as a coach, Aponte is eager to help current Titans achieve their own goals.
"It is a tremendous honor to return to St. Petersburg College because it played such an important role in both my life and my baseball career," Aponte said. "Coming back as a coach is something truly special and a wonderful opportunity to help young men reach their full potential, both on the field and in life. Being able to give back to a program that gave me so much means a great deal to me."
Espada believes the return of former players to the coaching staff is a testament to the culture that has been built within the program.
"When former players want to come back and invest in the next generation, it speaks volumes about what this program means to them," Espada said. "Coltin and Diego understand what it means to wear the SPC uniform. They know our expectations, our values, and the commitment required to be successful. Our players will benefit tremendously from their experience and their passion for helping others grow."
The additions complete Espada's coaching staff for the upcoming season and further strengthen the connection between the program's past, present, and future.
As the Titans prepare for the 2026-27 campaign, the return of Pizzio and Aponte marks another important step in the continued growth of SPC Baseball, bringing two respected alumni back home to help shape the next chapter of Titans baseball.
