Washington State University (WSU) has announced that head baseball coach Nathan Choate will remain at the helm through the 2031 season, a move that rewards a turnaround that has revitalized the program.
A Milestone Season for the Cougars
The Cougars captured their first conference championship since 1976, earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010, and posted a program‑record 3.45 team GPA, underscoring academic excellence alongside athletic success.
Coach Choate retained key offensive contributors Max Hartman and Ryan Skjonsby, ensuring continuity for a lineup that helped drive the team to a 31‑28 overall record and a 3‑2 victory over Oregon State in the Eugene Regional opener.
Pitcher Nick Lewis emerged as a cornerstone of that success, finishing the season 10‑2 with a 2.97 ERA over 100 innings. His performances earned him a place among the finalists for the ABCA Rawlings Gold Glove award, as well as recognition as the Mountain West Conference’s Pitcher of the Year and a second‑team All‑West selection.
Athletic director Elizabeth Cantwell praised the collective effort, noting that the administration, coaching staff, and student‑athletes have built a culture of competitiveness and scholarship. The university also highlighted the contributions of support staff including Jon Haarlow, Brian Green, Ruger Riojas, and Eric Segura in shaping the program’s environment.