MIAMI - FIU baseball head coach Mervyl Melendez announced Wednesday that he is stepping down following the conclusion of the 2022 season, following this weekend's series vs. Rice.

"During my six years at FIU, I devoted my heart and soul into our student-athletes and this program.  I am proud of the upgrades that we have made and the resources we have been able to secure for this program so that we are able to leave this program in better shape than when I arrived," Melendez said.  "I will miss the relationships that have been built.  Each of our student-athletes has a bright future ahead of them, and I am proud to have been their coach."

"I want to thank Coach Melendez for leading the FIU Baseball program the past six years," FIU Athletics Director Scott Carr said.  "Merv is a high-character, servant-leader who cares deeply about everyone, especially the young men that played for him.  We wish Merv, Aixa, and the entire Melendez family the best in their future endeavors."

Melendez was named head coach at FIU in June 2016.  His overall record at FIU was 126-154.  During his tenure, the Panthers achieved numerous postseason awards, including seven All-C-USA selections, seven Freshman All-Americans and six C-USA All-Freshman honors.  Additionally, 14 Panthers have been selected in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

Melendez also led the charge on numerous baseball facility upgrades during his time at FIU, with an indoor batting cage and weight room, artificial turf home bullpen, renovated players' locker room, lounge and kitchen topping the list.

A national search for the Panthers' next head baseball coach will begin immediately.