MILWAUKEE – Coming off a historic season that saw the Panthers become the first Horizon League program to reach an NCAA Regional final through the winner's bracket, fourth-year head coach Shaun Wegner has announced updates to the coaching staff heading into the 2027 campaign.

Cal Hejza and Joey Spence join the coaching staff, with Hejza working with the infielders and Spence focusing on the catchers. In conjunction with the additions of Hejza and Spence, Jack Sievers, who is entering his fourth season on the staff, has been elevated to a full-time role and will serve as the program's recruiting coordinator.

In addition to his new responsibilities, Sievers will continue to work with Milwaukee's outfielders and oversee baserunning. In 2026, the Panthers set a program record with 124 stolen bases by 14 different players.

"First off, I want to thank Panther alumnus and assistant coach for the past three seasons, Mike Porcaro for all of his efforts and time he spent helping us build this program and roster into what it has become. He was a big piece of our success last season and one of the architects into the roster that got us back to the NCAA Regionals. We look to continue the ascent with Jack now taking over Mike's former role, while also keeping close tabs on Mike as he moves over to the travel ball side. We wish him the best and know that our relationship with him will continue on that recruiting front as well."

The newcomers join a staff that includes pitching coach Cory Bigler, who returns to his alma mater for his 24th season on the coaching staff. Bigler began his tenure under Jerry Augustine and continued through the 17-year tenure of head coach Scott Doffek.

Also returning is assistant coach Coley Kilpatrick, who enters his third season with the team, assisting with the pitching staff and focusing on analytics. Andy Bergholz is also back for his third year with the program and will assume the role of general manager heading into the 2027 season.

Cal Hejza
Hejza comes to Milwaukee from the University of Illinois, where he spent the previous two seasons as the Director of Player Personnel and Scouting. During his time in Urbana-Champaign, Hejza created and developed scouting reports using analytics and video while contributing to the program's recruiting analysis, opponent preparation and player personnel decisions.

Hejza was a four-year member of the Fighting Illini from 2021-24. A regular in the lineup throughout his career, he played in 187 games and recorded 147 hits, including 23 doubles and 12 home runs, while driving in 90 runs. He also drew 98 walks, posted a career .357 on-base percentage and scored 127 runs.

During his four seasons, the Illini won 113 games, including a second-place finish in the Big Ten in 2022. Illinois went on to win the regular-season championship and earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship in 2024.

As a senior, Hejza was an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove finalist at shortstop and ranked as the top Division I shortstop in defensive runs saved. He was also a Brooks Wallace Award semifinalist, an honor recognizing the top shortstops in the country.

"Adding Cal from Illinois is a big addition," said Wegner. "He played in the middle of the diamond at a high level in the Big Ten and then slid down the bench to wear the coaching cap as well. He is young and energetic, which will allow a smooth transition with our players, and I know he will provide new insight and ideas that he can bring to the table. He will primarily work with the infield and assist Jack with the offense. He comes highly recommended by trusted comrades in the profession."

Joey Spence
No stranger to the program, Spence was a member of Milwaukee's 2026 championship team, playing an integral role in the Panthers' title run. He was named the Horizon League Championship Most Valuable Player after hitting a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat top-seeded Wright State.

Spence continued to make an impact during Milwaukee's run to the NCAA Regional final. During the NCAA Regional, he hit .350 with four doubles and five runs scored as the Panthers defeated host Auburn and UCF.

Before joining the Panthers, Spence played collegiately at Texas A&M University–Texarkana after beginning his collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame. With the Fighting Irish, he helped the team reach the College World Series, winning the Statesboro Regional and Knoxville Super Regional along the way in 2022.

Before beginning his collegiate career, Spence was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2021 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft out of West Bend East High School.

During his prep career, Spence was rated the top catcher in his class in Wisconsin by both Prep Baseball and Perfect Game. He also participated in the Perfect Game National Showcase, the Future Stars Series National Team and the PCR Super 60 Showcase.

Since graduating from Milwaukee in May 2026, Spence has worked as the Director of Young and High School Catching Development with STiKS Academy. He also gained coaching experience as a camp coach at Notre Dame during his time in South Bend.

"Joey gets the opportunity to come back and assist the program now having finished his lone year in the program," Wegner added. "He made a tremendous impact and was a steadying force behind the plate for us - let alone coming up with one of the biggest hits in program history. His passion for teaching and the catching position will be a welcome addition to our catchers' development programs. He is only getting started in the coaching profession, and I'm excited to watch him grow on my end of the dugout."