Gouldsmith retained as baseball coach at UNLV

After five years as UNLV baseball coach, Buddy Gouldsmith faced his toughest evaluation. He earned a passing grade.

Gouldsmith will return next year, athletic director Mike Hamrick said after the two met Friday.

The Rebels finished this season 22-37, but Hamrick said the team's strong academic performance and clean off-field record helped Gouldsmith get a one-year contract extension.

"Coach Gouldsmith has had a lot of success here early in his career," Hamrick said. "His program is very solid off the field, and we both agree the competitiveness needs to improve.

"Coach Gouldsmith feels the team will improve significantly next year."

In Gouldsmith's first two years at UNLV, he compiled a 72-53 record, won two Mountain West Conference titles and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.

The Rebels since have stumbled through three consecutive losing seasons, including a 24-36 record in 2007 and a 29-30 mark in 2006.

"I'm excited and really looking forward to next year," Gouldsmith said. "The bottom line is we've got to win more games."