Bio

Scott Laird was named Head Baseball Coach at College of the Sequoias in the Summer of 2025, following 13 seasons as an assistant and third base coach. A COS alum and long-time fixture within the Giants program, Laird becomes just the fifth head coach in program history, carrying forward the tradition established by Jody Allen, Al Branco, Bert Holt, and Roy Taylor.

Since joining the coaching staff in 2013, Laird has played a pivotal role in player development, recruiting, and academic success. Under his leadership, the Giants’ academic program achieved a record-setting team GPA of 3.3 in 2019. Known for his attention to detail and commitment to student-athlete growth, he has helped shape COS into a respected destination for both talent and development.

As a player, Laird starred for the Giants from 2008–09, earning back-to-back All-Central Valley Conference honors as a second baseman. He also collected two Gold Glove awards and served as team captain and team MVP during his sophomore season, where he tied a school record with 20 doubles—matching the mark set by former MLB All-Star Johnny Estrada. Laird continued his playing career at Fresno Pacific University, where he competed for two seasons and earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He later completed a master’s degree in kinesiology.

Off the field, Laird is a full-time faculty member at College of the Sequoias and puts an emphasis on academic, athletic, and character development in his program. His coaching philosophy emphasizes player accountability, skill development, and a team-first culture rooted in discipline and tradition.

A Visalia native and graduate of Mt. Whitney High School, Laird helped lead the Pioneers to a CIF football championship in 2006. He and his wife, and their three daughters reside in Visalia.