New Palestine High School

New Palestine High School is proud to welcome Harry Nguyen as its new baseball coach, pending board approval. Nguyen emerged from of a deep, competitive field of candidates to lead one of the state’s premier baseball programs. He is the Dragons’ fourth head coach since 1968, taking over for Shawn Lyons, who retired in July after 15 seasons as the Dragons’ head coach. Nguyen is no stranger to New Palestine, as he spent six years on the staff as an assistant coach from 2019-25, a span that included four sectional and three regional championships. He will be entering his 28th season of coaching high school baseball. He also has coached at Arsenal Tech (2000-01), Cathedral (2001-16), Lawrence Central (2017-18), Guerin Catholic (2019) and Franklin Central (2026). He was the head coach at Lawrence Central for two seasons. In the summers, he has coached on the travel baseball circuit with his son’s summer team, New Palestine Baseball Club. Prior to coaching in high school, Nguyen began coaching at his local youth league as a volunteer coach. “New Palestine baseball has set the standard as one of the best high school baseball programs in the state of Indiana for many years and I am thrilled to be coming back to a place where my son went to school and played in the program,” Nguyen said. “New Palestine is a special place to our family, and I am looking forward to continuing the strong tradition of baseball set forth by Coach (Al) Cooper and Coach Lyons while ensuring that our players relentlessly pursue excellence.” He has been on the coaching staffs of 13 sectional, 10 regional and five semi-state championship teams, as well as winning a state title in 2007. He also was part of the 2025 Hoosier Heritage Conference Dragons team. He was also part of the staff of 12 Indianapolis city baseball championship teams during his 16 seasons at Cathedral. Coach Nguyen was fortunate to work with three professional players, two of which were first round draft picks in pitchers Tommy Hunter (2007, 54th overall in the supplemental first round) and Ashe Russell, (2015, 21st overall in the first round). A third pitcher, Dillon Peters, (2014, 287th overall in the 10th round) also spent time in the professional ranks. Nguyen has also worked with more than 80 collegiate players at all levels. In terms of coaching philosophy, Nguyen lives by the mantra coined by his coaching mentor, and Indiana High School Baseball Hall of Famer, the late Rich Andriole: Be Prepared. Be Coachable. Be a Great Teammate. These pillars focus on what the athlete can control and in turn, can be exemplified by all players - not just those with outstanding talent. A graduate of Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis, Nguyen holds degrees from IUPUI and Butler Universities. Nguyen resides in Franklin Township in Indianapolis with his wife of 12 years, Heather, and has four children (Morgan, Tanner, Hannah and Ryan) and a grandson (Ayvion), and is a veteran math and social studies teacher. He’s a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers and enjoys live concerts and sporting events when he is not on a baseball diamond.