Michael Fryrear, ‘04, ‘07
For Michael Fryrear, UNF and legacy go hand in hand.
Under the leadership of former UNF head baseball coach and Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, Mike learned what it means to be a leader among peers and bring out the best in others. He now carries that forward to the work he does as head baseball coach of the Raiders at Plant City High School in the Tampa area.
Fryrear graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and graduated again in 2007 with a master’s in educational leadership. He played four years as a second baseman during his time as an Osprey and worked as a graduate assistant baseball coach with numerous accolades to his name.
The West Coast Umpires Association recently awarded Fryrear with the Artie Vazquez Memorial Coaches Award, an honor given to recipients who exemplify sportsmanship, which is just one of the values he aims to instill in his players
He’s now teaching the next generation of baseball players the values of teamwork, discipline and hard work. And while their performance on the field is important, he tells his students that baseball comes third after family and academics.
Fryrear attributes his time at UNF during major growth periods at the school as integral to his own progression.
“UNF helped me recognize how to build things and build these things from scratch,” Fryrear said. “It’s great to be a part of that legacy of where it is now.”
Fryrear said current students and alumni should cherish the friendships made while at UNF and does his best to stay connected to his fellow Ospreys to this day.
Mike enjoys spending his free time with his wife, kids and parents, as well as going to the beach, reading motivational books and all things baseball.
