Chad Highberger

Head Coach

REGION: California

DIVISON: 12U – Major, 13U – Major

CONTACT: chad@cawildcatters.com

FAVORITE BASEBALL PLAYER GROWING UP: Johnny Bench / Jason Kendall 

With over a decade of experience at the collegiate and national levels, Coach Highberger has established himself as a respected leader in the game of baseball, known for his commitment to player development, catching expertise, and competitive excellence. 

Coach Highberger began his coaching career at Los Medanos College (2017–2018), where he played a key role in developing junior college talent and guiding student-athletes toward four-year opportunities. He then moved to Holy Names University (NCAA Division II) from 2019 to 2020, where his responsibilities included recruiting, skill development, and in-game strategy. 

In 2021, Highberger joined the coaching staff at the University of California (NCAA Division I), where he has contributed through 2025. His time at Cal has been marked by consistent player growth, particularly behind the plate, as well as a strong emphasis on culture, preparation, and performance at the highest collegiate level. 

In 2024, Coach Highberger was selected to work with USA Baseball, earning positions as an Infield Instructor for the Prospect Development Pipeline and an Assistant Coach for the National Team Development Program. These elite programs identify and develop top-tier amateur talent across the country, and his involvement underscores his standing as one of the game’s top emerging coaches. 

Before entering the coaching ranks, Coach Highberger played four years of NCAA baseball, followed by three seasons of professional independent baseball with the Pittsburg Diamonds and the Gary SouthShore RailCats. His firsthand experience at both the collegiate and professional levels brings invaluable insight and relatability to the players he mentors.