Dave Van Horn is considered one of the most successful and respected names in college baseball. Since taking the job as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2003, he has built the program into a respected team nationally, thanks to its regular success and competitiveness.
Thanks to his strategic mind, leadership, and effort in developing players, Van Horn is widely respected as one of the top NCAA baseball coaches. Many regard him for his consistent success over many years, as college athletics evolve over time. All of his teams mirror his emphasis on preparation, mental strength, and tiny details.
Dave Van Horn Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real Name: | David Kevin Van Horn |
| Birth Date: | 17 September 1960 |
| Age: | 64 Years |
| Birth Place: | Fullerton, California, United States |
| Height: | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Wife: | Karen Lee |
Early Life
Dave Van Horn was born on September 17, 1960, in Stanton, California, and later graduated from Winnetonka High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1979. The love he had for baseball showed early, and he played at McLennan Community College in Texas as a result. He won All-American status and was chosen as Region 5 Player of the Year in the tournament.
Dave Van Horn went to the University of Arkansas in 1982 and played well at second base, being named to the All-Southwest Conference team and being chosen as the conference’s Newcomer of the Year. After his college achievements, the Atlanta Braves chose him in the 10th round of the 1982 MLB Draft, and he played in their minor league system for three years.
While playing baseball, he learned a lot about competition, which he would use later in his coaching career. Van Horn was already recognized as a young athlete for his hard work, understanding of the game, and skills as a leader. The experiences in his early years gave him a better grasp of the game and encouraged him to pursue teaching and mentorship as a career.
Dave Van Horn Career
Dave Van Horn started his career by working as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas from 1985 to 1988, and it was there that he formed his disciplined coaching approach. From 1989 to 1993, he led Texarkana College as head coach, building powerful teams and ending with a 214–72 total. In the year 1994, he guided Central Missouri State to a Division II championship, which further confirmed his potential as a coach.
In 1995, he continued to have success at Northwestern State, then went on to make a big impact at the University of Nebraska from 1998 to 2002. While at Nebraska, he led his team to the College World Series twice and made them a strong national competitor. In 2003, Van Horn took over as head coach of the Razorbacks and has made them a recognized team in the country.
During his time as head coach, the team took home three regular-season SEC titles (2004, 2021, 2023), eight SEC Western Division crowns, and played in nine College World Series games, losing only in 2018. Racking up over 1,200 career victories, Van Horn is known as one of the top coaches in college baseball.
He believes in a training philosophy that develops strong players who are ready to face difficulties not only in the game but also in life. Thanks to his strong leadership and high ambitions, he has set a culture that makes Arkansas baseball what it is today.
Personal Life
Dave Van Horn met his wife Karen Lee during his time as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas. There are three children in the family: Hollan, Mariel, and Tony, all daughters and sons of the couple. Karen has always stayed by Van Horn’s side during his coaching career, and they live in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Social Media
Dave Van Horn spends less time on social media and prefers to concentrate on his coaching and the development of the team. Although the coach does not maintain a personal social media profile, the Razorbacks’ channels often post updates about baseball, sharing game moments, notable player performances, and pictures from inside the team.
Dave Van Horn Net Worth
Dave Van Horn gets $1.25 million as his base salary, and there are more payments depending on how the team does and if they reach the postseason. The contract extension for 2031 demonstrates how committed the university is to his leadership and the lasting achievements of the program.