Frank Suarez, hired as a volunteer assistant coach in September of 2023, has the type of experience MDC’s current players are striving to attain.

In 2013, Suarez – a senior catcher at the time – led Coker University to the NCAA Division II College World Series.

"Securing the conference tournament title and sweeping through the regionals in four games to punch our World Series ticket was incredibly exhilarating," Suarez said.

A native of Miami, Suarez played at Miami High, St. Thomas University, Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama and Coker, located in Hartsville, South Carolina.

His experience at Miami High was particularly special because he played for his father, who goes by the same name. In fact, in 2015, Suarez coached for his father, leading Miami High to a district title.

Suarez is also noteworthy because he has earned three degrees: an Associate’s in Communications from Lawson State; a Bachelor’s in Physical Education and Sports Management from Coker; and a Master’s in Business with a concentration in Sports Management from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia.

His coaching career started in 2014 as an assistant at North Carolina A&T State.

After Miami High, Suarez was an assistant from 2016 to 2021 at Shorter. That stint included a run to the regionals in 2021.

He spent the past two years away from coaching, but Suarez couldn’t resist joining the staff of Lazaro Llanes, who has served as an advisor for years.

Suarez will perform many roles for the MDC Sharks, including coaching the outfielders, teaching base-running and organizing practices.

"I'm excited to deepen my roots in the college game while working alongside (Llanes) and this esteemed coaching staff," Suarez said.

"Miami Dade College has a stellar track record of nurturing athletes who advance to four-year college programs and/or the pro ranks. I'm thrilled to contribute to that legacy."