By accepting the offer to coach for CSUSM, Jared Suwyn returns under the familiar tutelage of Head Baseball Coach Dennis Pugh.

The once-upon-a-time pitcher is making more than just a job commitment. He is at the start of a picturesque narrative in which a young coach returns to his baseball roots and taking another step in his career.

Suwyn graduated from Pugh’s program at Mission Bay High School in 2003. After several seasons of SDSU baseball, he played out his senior year under Pugh, then coaching at CSUSM.

After retiring his player’s jersey, Suwyn began coaching at Kearny High School before taking a head coaching position at Mira Mesa High School. His quick rise through the coaching ranks led to a spot on the Palomar College staff in 2013.

Only five years after his coaching debut, Suwyn has an opportunity to leave his mark on the university level. Pugh hired him this summer to be the Assistant Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

“He’s always been a kid who’s good in the classroom, good on the field and got along with people really well…it was a no-brainer in my mind,” said Pugh.

The head coach said Suwyn brings a much needed infusion of young blood to the baseball coaching staff.

In an interview Tuesday, Suwyn said his emphasis will be on his player’s experience.

“I’m a big believer in having fun.”

Suwyn’s enthusiasm about being back at this university bubbles over. It signals the youthful exuberance he will bring to the diamond.

Although Pugh and Suwyn now stand one coach to another, the 30-year-old San Diego native still refers to Pugh by the respectful moniker of “Coach.”

“Coach has always been a great guy,” said Suwyn. “I feel honored to be a part of his staff.”

After a history of winning games together, Suwyn and Pugh embark on a new chapter of their shared baseball story.

“It feels like we’re definitely full circle now,” said Suwyn.