Karl Nonemaker begins his sixth year on the Monarchs' staff as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in 2017, with his responsibilities including coaching the hitters, base runners, and outfielders. ODU is 125-103 during his four years, winning 30+ games three times and making an appearance in a NCAA Regional in 2014.
In his fifth season with the Monarchs, Nonemaker helped the program post two consecutive shutouts to start the season, one over then No. 10 NC State (5-0) and the other over Kent State (2-0). The two shutouts marked the first time since 1995 ODU had two straight and the first time since 1992 the Monarchs opened the season with two shutouts. The team once again ranked in the top 5 in stolen bases, ranking third in the league with 81. Nonemaker also saw two players get drafted, as Nick Hartman was chosen in the ninth round by the Toronto Blue Jays and Connor Myers was selected in the 27th round by the Chicago Cubs.
In 2015, the Monarchs ranked in the top 5 in the conference statistics in 10 offensive catagories, including second in the league in stolen bases, walks and on-base percentage. At the conclusion of the season, three Monarchs were selected into the MLB draft, as P.J. Higgins was picked in the 12th round by the Chicago Cubs, Greg Tomchick in the 27th round by the St. Louis Cardinals and Taylor Ostrich in the 34th round by the Kansas City Royals.
In 2014, ODU’s first year in Conference USA, the offense led the league in runs scored (344), doubles (111), and stolen bases (62) and was in the top 3 in batting average, on-base percentage, hits, RBI, total bases, triples, and walks. The 2014 team also fielded .976 which was in the nation’s top 20.
In 2013, the ODU offense finished with a .283 team batting average and was in the top 40 nationally in triples (21), home runs (40), and slugging (.428). Ben Verlander earned Third Team All-American honors by hitting .367 with 12 2B, 4 3B, and 11 HR and was drafted in the 14th round by the Detroit Tigers.
In Nonemaker's first season in 2012, three players earned post-season awards, as shortstop Josh Wright and catcher Josh Tutwiler were named third team All-CAA and outfielder Josh Eldridge was selected to the CAA All-Rookie squad.
Prior to Old Dominion, Nonemaker served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Monmouth University for two years. In 2011, Monmouth won the NEC regular season title with a 36-19 overall mark and 25-7 conference record, winning every league series. Nonemaker tutored NEC Player of the Year, and Louisville Slugger/TPX Third Team All-American second baseman Ryan Terry, who was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Nonemaker was a 4-year starter at Vanderbilt from 1999-2002. He was named a Freshman All-American in 1999, and was a First-Team All-Southeastern Conference outfielder in 2000. He ranks second all time at Vanderbilt in hits (283) and career batting average (.369).
A 20th-round draft choice of Philadelphia in 2002, Nonemaker went on to be a member of the Phillies Gulf Coast Championship team in 2002, and in 2003, split the year between the Lakewood Blue Claws (Single-A) and the Reading Phillies (Double-A).
Following his playing days, Nonemaker began his coaching career at Auburn University in 2004. The former Commodore coached for three seasons at AU, helping guide the Tigers to a Regional Final in 2005.
Nonemaker, a Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll selection for four-straight years, graduated from Vanderbilt with a degree in Human and Organizational Development in 2002. He and his wife Katie live in Norfolk with their daughter Ellie.