Nate Thompson

Nate Thompson is in his third year as volunteer assistant coach in the Husker program. In his role, Thompson coaches the Husker outfielders and assists with the infielders and on-campus recruiting.

In 2008, Thompson assisted in the development of a pair of first-team All-Big 12 performers in catcher Mitch Abeita and second baseman Jake Opitz. Abeita, a Johnny Bench Award semifinalist, was selected in the 19th round by the New York Yankees, while Opitz was picked in the 12th round by the Chicago Cubs. In 2009, two of Thompson’s players were selected in the MLB Draft, including Jeff Tezak, who was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 24th round.

Thompson joined the Nebraska staff as a volunteer assistant coach in August of 2007, after serving as an assistant coach at Fort Hays State for one season. At FHSU, he worked with the hitters and outfielders, while also helping with base running and implementing the team’s strength and conditioning program. Under his tutelage, two players earned ABCA All-Central Region honors as the Tigers produced a 33-20 record. Thompson gained additional experience by serving as an assistant coach with the Mat-Su Miners of the Alaskan Baseball League in 2007, helping the Miners post a 26-11 record en route to the league title.

Thompson began his coaching career under current Husker assistant Eric Newman at Dallas Baptist in 2006, where he worked with the outfielders and assisted with hitters while serving as the first base coach.

Thompson played baseball at Dallas Baptist for two seasons. In 2004, he was a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association national championship team at Dallas Baptist. Prior to playing at DBU, Thompson spent two seasons at Garden City Community College. He was a member of the 2003 Jayhawk West Division championship team and was a Distinguished NJCAA Academic All-American that same season.

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Dallas Baptist in 2006 and his master’s degree in sports administration at Fort Hays State in December of 2008. He married the former Anna Schardt in June of 2009.