Nate D. Smith has been appointed as the head coach of the Mary Baldwin University men's basketball program. A Sacramento State graduate, Smith has spent the last four seasons at Oberlin College, where he transformed the team's performance, leading them to three consecutive winning seasons. Athletic Director Tom Byrnes expressed confidence in Smith's talents, highlighting his track record of success and the positive attributes he will bring to the Fighting Squirrels. Smith aims to build on MBU's recent successes, including their 2024 USA South Conference championship.

By the Numbers
  • At Oberlin College, Smith helped the team improve from a 6-19 record to three consecutive winning seasons.
  • He improved Oberlin's rebounding margin by nearly nine boards per game.
State of Play
  • Mary Baldwin's men's basketball has made the conference playoffs for the last four seasons.
  • In 2025-26, the Fighting Squirrels recorded an 11-14 overall record.
What's Next

Smith will look to build a championship-caliber program at MBU, drawing from his prior coaching successes and focusing on player development. With most of last season's roster returning, the team is in a strong position to perform well in the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The hiring of Nate Smith signifies a proactive effort by Mary Baldwin to enhance their men's basketball program, aiming for continued success in the USA South Conference and a strong showing in NCAA competitions. His prior achievements suggest a promising future for the Fighting Squirrels.