Matt Padgett most recently served as Head Baseball Coach at Barton College during the 2026 season. His emphasis on player development was evident as nine Bulldogs recorded batting averages of .300 or better during the 2026 campaign. Prior to Barton, Padgett served as Recruiting Coordinator at Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. During his tenure, he helped guide the Saints to their first winning season and postseason appearance in 14 years in 2025. Before joining Limestone, Padgett spent three seasons (2021-23) as an Assistant Coach at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. During that time, he helped lead the program to the NCCAA National Championship in 2021.Â
In the summer collegiate ranks, Padgett served as Head Coach of the Lexington County Blowfish of the Coastal Plain League during the 2020 season. In professional baseball, Padgett spent three seasons with the New Jersey Jackals from 2016 to 2018, serving as Manager/Head Coach and Assistant Coach. During his tenure, the Jackals reached the playoffs and led the league in returning players to Major League Baseball affiliated organizations, helping numerous players continue their professional careers at higher levels. At the high school level, Padgett served as Head Baseball Coach at Ben Lippen School in Columbia, South Carolina, from 2017 to 2020. He led the program to consecutive state championship game appearances during his tenure. A native of Lexington, South Carolina, Padgett earned his bachelor's degree from Columbia International University. He played three seasons of baseball at Clemson University and was also a starting place kicker for the Tigers football team. Following his collegiate career, Padgett was selected in the 5th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Florida Marlins and went on to play professionally in the Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs organizations.Â
