Lee Returns to Charleston Baseball Coaching Staff

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former College of Charleston baseball head coach Monte Lee ’00 returns to his alma mater to join head coach Chad Holbrook‘s staff as an assistant head coach for the 2027 season.

Lee previously served as the Cougars head coach from 2009-2015 before becoming the head coach at Clemson from 2016-2022. He then became the associate head coach at South Carolina from 2023-26 before taking over the interim head coach title this past season.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to return to the College, my alma mater, and a place that means so much to me and has played such a vital part of my life,” said Lee. “My focus is entirely on bringing an everyday energy and standard that reminds players across South Carolina why Charleston is the ultimate destination. I’m ready to recruit elite talent, develop these guys at the highest level and hunt for championships every single year. I can’t thank Chad enough for blessing me with this opportunity!”

Lee guided the Cougars to a 276-145 overall record in his seven years at Charleston, developing four conference players of the year, two conference pitchers of the year and two conference freshmen of the year. He reached 200 wins faster than any coach in school history. Under his guidance, CofC advanced to the Lubbock Super Regional in 2014 after winning the Gainesville Regional along with NCAA appearances in 2010 and 2015. The 2015 team was ranked in the top 25 for much of the season and finished 20th in the final USA Today Coaches’ Poll.

“Excited is an understatement!  What an incredible day for our program,” said Holbrook. “It is going to be a thrill and honor to be in the same dugout as Monte. One thing is clear – Monte loves The College and he loves this baseball program. I’m also incredibly excited for our players as Monte will bring incredible experience, knowledge and passion to Patriots Point.  Everyone associated with our program is over the moon. Welcome home, Monte!”

While at Clemson, Lee went 242-136 during his seven seasons in the dugout. He won the ACC regular season title in his first year at the helm of the program and led the Tigers to four NCAA appearances, hosting a regional round each of his first three seasons. Lee coached nine All-Americans, including at least one All-American in six of his seven seasons and had 34 players drafted a total of 38 times at Clemson.

Most recently at South Columbia, Lee helped the Gamecocks reach NCAA Super Regionals in 2023 and 2024. He has spent his entire coaching career in the state of South Carolina with his first coaching role coming at Spartanburg Methodist College from 2001-2002.

Lee was a standout outfielder for the Cougars from 1996-99. In 206 career games, he hit .333 with 156 runs, 240 hits, 50 doubles, six triples, 22 homers, 150 RBI, 88 walks and 66 steals. He still ranks in the top 10 in school history in career doubles, total bases and RBI. In 2004, he was inducted as an inaugural member of the Wall of Fame at Patriots Point.

He became the first position player drafted in Cougar history when the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the 39th round in 1999, playing 82 games over two years in the minors.