WASHINGTON – The Georgetown University baseball team unfortunately saw former Head Coach Pete Wilk pass away after fighting a 15-month battle with Glioblastoma. Over the course of Wilk's two decades at the helm of the Hoyas, he worked with more than 450 student-athletes.
 
Wilk's impact within the baseball program and Georgetown community is felt each and every day. "It has been difficult for Georgetown baseball as we lost the winningest coach in our program's history, Coach Pete Wilk," said Current Head Coach Edwin Thompson. "Even though our time did not overlap, he was a consistent person in the organization for over 20 years and did so many things to impact Georgetown and Georgetown baseball. We want to send our condolences to his family, friends and all former Hoya baseball players during this difficult time."
 
As a tribute to Coach Wilk, current and former players shared a few messages about the impact Wilk had on them over the course of his tenure.
 
Mike Willis ('22)
"Aside from giving me an opportunity to play baseball at the collegiate level, Coach Wilk taught me several life lessons that I've carried with me in my personal and professional career. He was our baseball coach, but more importantly, he was a father figure and a mentor. His love for the game and his ability to use the game of baseball as a mechanism for teaching young kids about life was unparalleled. At the end of the day, and in good times and bad, Coach Wilk would always have our backs. He is the epitome of what it means to be Georgetown. I'm so fortunate to have played for such an incredible man, and I'm forever grateful to Coach Wilk for the impact he's had on my life."
 
Alex Rosen ('22)
"Coach Wilk is the epitome of a leader. Tough and direct, yet unrelentingly caring. Whether you were the best guy on the field or in a deep slump, he did everything in his power for you to reach your potential. His care stretched far beyond the baseball field, making sure that every guy lucky enough to call him their coach had a steady and reliable mentor. In such an impressionable period of life, Coach Wilk instilled in us a deep sense of virtue and responsibility. He created a culture of camaraderie and accountability. Playing for Coach Wilk meant that you were not just a baseball player but a vital part of a team. I could not be more grateful for the impact Coach Wilk had on my life."
 
 
Eddie McCabe ('21)
"Coach Wilk gave me the confidence to excel at Georgetown as a player and a student by believing in me at times when I did not even believe in myself. Right from the start, I looked up to him as a leader and a person because of the example he set for his players and people closest to him. He was more than instrumental in my development on and off the field and I can't think of anyone more dedicated to his work and more deserving of the Hall of Fame. He led us by his amazing example of how to be men and taught me and my teammates how to be successful and moreover, good people."
 
Yareb Martinez ('21)
"PW gave me the opportunity to play baseball at the Division 1 level and for that I am forever grateful. His belief in me meant everything, and I'll forever be thankful for the person he is. His support during my mom's battle with cancer was a lifeline, and I can't thank him enough for being there when I needed it most. Thank you, Coach Wilk, for not only believing in my athletic abilities but also for being there for me during the toughest moments of my life. You are truly an extraordinary person, and I am forever grateful for all that you have done for me."
 
Owen Lamon ('21)
"Good coaches impact players on the field, while great coaches also impact player's lives. Coach Wilk was a great coach and so much more; he coached and mentored as if baseball was more than a game, but something that could be used to teach lifelong lessons to young men. He taught the importance of camaraderie and integrity while demonstrating how determination and hard work could be applied beyond the field. Having Coach Wilk as a head coach meant each and every player would have an ally, mentor, and friend for life."
 
AJ Lotsis ('21)
"The opportunity to play four years under Coach Wilk was an unparalleled experience, one that surpassed any expectations that I could have had. From the moment players set foot on campus their freshman year, Coach Wilk utilized his passion for baseball to impart invaluable life lessons, shaping young men capable of confronting any challenge both on and off the field. I'm incredibly grateful to have played for Coach Wilk and believe he embodies the type of values that Georgetown Athletics cherishes and strives to instill in its athletes."
 
 
Matt Randolph ('18)
"Coach Wilk was truly a baseball coach in the purest sense – his personal vigor and robust enjoyment of the game invigorated all who played under him.  He lived and breathed the game, imparting his wisdom and passion onto every player he mentored.  However, his impact went far beyond merely teaching the fundamental skills of the sport.  Coach Wilk had an incredible gift for connecting with players on a personal level, serving as a trusted mentor who helped guide us through the pivotal years of our development.  With steadfast values, he challenged us to develop integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field.  Coach Wilk's genuine investment in our personal growth as students and as men is what made him truly special.  His legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes for years to come."
 
Bennett Stehr ('18)
"Four years playing under Coach Wilk defined my college experience at Georgetown. In him, I witnessed what it means to both love and live the game of baseball. He coached, mentored, and led with every ounce of effort he could give. Most importantly, I learned what a great person and friend he is to so many players and alumni. It is a blessing to know him, to have learned from him, and to have played for him."
 
Alex Bernauer ('18)
"Coach Wilk changed my life by giving me the opportunity to play baseball at Georgetown. He is an exceptional leader and an even better man. I learned so much from Coach Wilk on and off the field and couldn't be more grateful to have played for him. One thing that still amazes me to this day about Coach Wilk, is how much he cares about setting up his players for life after baseball. He is a gifted networker, and I am so thankful to have him in my life." 
 
Billy Cupelo ('10)
"Wilk taught me more about life other than my dad than anyone in my life - and I only played for him for 1 year regrettably. He couldn't throw BP or know when to hold a runner at 3rd but minor flaws in a leader who did more for those around him than anyone could articulate. 
 
Derek Pines ('99)
"Coach Wilk cared about molding college kids into great people as much as he cared about creating great baseball players.  He made sure every player left his program as a better person than when they arrived.  He took pride in getting to know all of his players personally and building a bond with everyone who put on the uniform.  He was a true leader and often got his positive message across through actions and his soft spoken, yet firm demeanor.  His strength was in his silence." 
 
Tom Walter ('91)
"I did not play for Coach Wilk but I had the pleasure of coaching against him while at George Washington as well while at Wake Forest and witnessed the transition of Georgetown Baseball from perennial cellar dweller to nationally competitive.  Pete will be the first to admit that he didn't win as many games as he wanted to, but what wins and losses don't measure is the impact that he had on young men.  Pete's players adored him, they played hard for him, they are loyal to Georgetown because of him and they became the absolute best versions of themselves under his leadership."