Derek Shomon wears many hats: husband to Keriann, father to Micah, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) alum, and Chicago, Illinois native. And, this fall, he added another cap to the lineup: hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox.
For Derek, this homecoming is more than a professional milestone. It reflects years of spiritual formation, character development, and a commitment to leading with humility, all values shaped deeply during his time at IWU.
As a Wildcat student-athlete, Derek found Christ-centered community within IWU Baseball, largely crediting former head coach Rich Benjamin. Benjamin, now a minor league bench coach for the St. Louis Cardinals, stepped down as head coach in 2023 following eight seasons with the Wildcats.
“The culture [Benjamin] built mirrored the mission of the university: grounded in Christian faith, character, and servant leadership,” said Derek. “He created an environment where competing at a high level and growing spiritually were not separate ideas, but connected pursuits. That framework shaped how I view leadership today: pursuing excellence while staying rooted in values that don’t change with circumstances.”
Those values would anchor Derek long after leaving IWU. As he worked his way through the MLB ranks, most recently at the Miami Marlins, he relied on the IWU values of Humility, Integrity, and Agility as he approached each opportunity.
“[I wasn’t] afraid to start small, volunteer, or take roles that simply [got my] foot in the door; those experiences became the foundation for bigger opportunities.”
Coaching baseball at the highest level isn’t always a grand slam. Long hours, sleepless nights, and extensive travel provide physical exhaustion, while the drive to win creates an emotional toll. Through it all, Derek’s Christian faith provides a strong foundation for his career, one he describes as “humbling, unpredictable, and emotionally demanding.”
“[My faith] reminds me that my identity isn’t tied to wins, losses, or job titles, but in who I am in Christ. That perspective has allowed me to lead with peace and handle adversity with steadiness.”
He also points to IWU’s focus on scholarship, leadership, and character as preparation for the pressure and pace of professional baseball.
“The combination of strong academics, a competitive baseball environment, and a community that genuinely invests in your growth prepared me for the demands of professional baseball. The emphasis IWU places on leadership has carried directly into my work.”
Coaching at the major-league level requires more than technical skill; it requires a philosophy. For Derek, humility, trust, and consistency shape how he develops athletes not just for success on the field, but for life beyond it.
“I want to create environments where players feel believed in, supported, and challenged,” explains Derek. “I try to coach with empathy and honesty. Players need truth, but they also need someone who genuinely cares about who they are as people.”
To current Wildcats dreaming of a future in professional sports, Derek offers grounded wisdom:
“Be willing to serve, stay curious, and build genuine relationships. Professional sports reward people who can solve problems and stay adaptable in fast-moving environments. Most importantly, stay rooted in who you are. Your character, work ethic, and ability to connect with people will matter more than any technical skill you gain.”
Now with the White Sox, Derek remains focused and confident. Not only will he help athletes perform at their best offensively, but he will also invest in meaningful relationships and model the steady, Christ-centered leadership he experienced in Wildcat Country.
