Godinez Returns To Lake Land College As Head Baseball Coach

MATTOON -- After two successful years at Eastern Illinois University as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, Julio Godinez will return to the Lake Land College baseball diamond as the new head coach beginning in the fall semester 2019.

“I’m ready to get to know the players and build a trusting relationship between the team and myself,” Godinez said. “Having coached for Lake Land before, I know the potential is there to build the program back into a national championship level program.”

Godinez attended St. Rita of Cascia High School in South Chicago where he grew up cheering on the Cubs, playing catch with his parents and watching his father coach local baseball teams. He followed his passion for the sport through school and went on to attend Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois and later transferred to Graceland University in Iowa.

Godinez returns to Lake Land with several coaching experiences. After college, he coached at Murray Community Schools for two years. Following his time in Murray, Godinez coached at Lake Land College under Athletic Director and Baseball Coach Bill Jackson. From fall of 2012 through spring of 2013, Godinez worked as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

After the 2013 season at Lake Land College, Godinez made his way to Eastern Illinois University to take a job as a volunteer assistant coach where he gained experience working with all positions. For the past two years, Godinez has been Eastern’s pitching coach, and more recently, for the 2018-2019 season, he worked as the recruiting coordinator for the team.

Godinez is very excited to return to Lake Land College; the family atmosphere and small campus environment had always appealed to him.

“When a full time head coaching opportunity opened up at Lake Land College, I was very excited to finally have a chance to run my own show!” Godinez said.

Godinez plans to focus on the fine details and fundamentals of baseball with his team in order to be successful. He intends to build the Lakers into a national contender and win several championships along the way.

Godinez said he feels fortunate for the support he has received from the community and his family, as well as grateful for the opportunities that have allowed him to grow in his career and take Lake Land College baseball to the next level.