Nathaniel (Nate) Hughes is in his inaugural year as Athletic Director at the Baptist University of Florida (BUF) and the Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Prior to BUF, he served as a Student Assistant Coach at Cedarville University (2012-2015), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Coach for The National Basketball Academy (2015-2022), Junior Varsity Head Basketball Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Orangewood Christian (2016-2019), Junior Varsity Head Basketball Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Foundation Academy (2019-2020), Program Director of Kingdom Basketball Academy (2021-2024), and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and Program Director at Foundation Academy (2020-2024).
Over the course of his four seasons as the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, FL, Coach Hughes accumulated a 71-38 record and two playoff appearances after the school had not made a playoff appearance in the nine seasons prior to his leadership. The program also grew from three teams to six teams in his time as the Program Director. He organized and directed a middle school basketball league and had the immense pleasure of leading Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) during his time at Foundation Academy. In addition to coaching basketball, he has coached football and weightlifting. Coach Hughes brings a wealth of experience to his position at BUF in game management, athletic department planning, and coach development. BUF’s President Clayton Cloer said, “Nate is a proven leader who has devoted himself to be in a position where he could lead our program. He has a passion for the spiritual growth of young athletes that distinguishes him from many other leaders. I believe that he will lead our program as its founding coach to not only win championships but build champions for Christ.”
Nate graduated from Cedarville University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and Physical Education. He is married to his wife Rachel, and they have one son, Elijah. Having coached basketball for 12 years from elementary school and at the collegiate level, when asked about his calling, Nate said, “I believe it is my mission to equip young people with the tools to live successful, joyful lives for Christ.” He added that discipleship is one of his personal philosophies both on and off the court. When discipling others, he said, “Athletics is a vehicle to teach players how to work well with others, work towards common goals, celebrate successes, and learn from setbacks all while helping players to mature in their relationship with the Lord and with one another.”
Let’s welcome Coach Hughes to the BUF Family. Go Eagles and wings up!
To learn more about BUF Athletics visit http://www.buf.edu/athletics