The 2024 season marks Austin Bonnel's second season with the Butler baseball program. Bonnel added 'recruiting coordinator' to his title ahead of the season.

Bonnel, a graduate of Atchison High School in Atchison, Kansas, makes his way to Butler after finishing up his playing career at Pittsburg State University. Bonnel is familar with the Jayhawk Conference after playing two seasons with the Coffeyville Red Ravens (2017-19) prior to playing his last two seasons with the Gorillas in Pittsburg. 

As a player, Bonnel was able claim a handful of honors. He was a 3x team captain (‘18, ‘19, ‘22), a 2019 1st team All-KJCCC Third Baseman, 2019 2nd team All-Region VI, 2019 KJCCC Good Glove Winner (3B) and All MIAA academic team (‘21, ‘22). Bonnel brings coaching experience as well, having coached three summer ball teams in the KC Bullets (2020), Joplin Outlaws (2022) and and the El Dorado Walnuts (2023).

Bonnel holds a Bachelors in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from Pittsburg State and is currently pursuing his masters degree in Sports Management from PSU. 

Bonnel resides in El Dorado with his wife, Makenzie.