DELAND, FLA - Nathan Christianson's recent appointment as the head coach paves the way for a new era in Stetson Cross-Country. As the second full-time coach in program history, Christianson carries with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of nurturing athletes to their fullest potential. With a history of raising the bar at every program he's been a part of, Coach Christianson's influence promises to be a game-changer for the Hatters.

"We are excited to have Nate join the Hatter community as our new head men's and women's cross country coach. Throughout the interview process, Nate demonstrated how he will be able to continue to grow our team and work with our student-athletes to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the course," said Alicia Queally, Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. "This comes from years of successful distance coaching at historically strong running institutions. We are excited about the future of Stetson Cross-Country."

Set to make his Division 1 coaching debut, Coach Christianson's journey is marked by accomplishments and dedication. With stints at various institutions such as Bethel College, Defiance College, Briar Cliff University, and more, his influence on athletes' growth and program development is undeniable. From orchestrating practices to hosting meets, from coaching individual conference champions to fostering team camaraderie, Coach Christianson's expertise will undoubtedly shape the Hatters' journey on and off the track.

"I've coached at every division, I liked the small campus feel, I've coached NAIA, Division 3 schools and even my own alma mater, Southern Indiana, that was Division 2," said Christianson. "What I saw early on was just the family atmosphere and everyone I've met that wants to see this program take off. I'm just excited to see what we can do here and I think there is a positive vibe in everybody and since day one, it's been like this is where I want to go."

During his tenure at Bethel College, he served as the Interim Head Distance Coach and Assistant Track and Field Coach, leaving an indelible mark by orchestrating practices, facilitating high school and college meets, and significantly boosting recruitment efforts. While at Defiance College, Christianson served as the Head Cross-Country and Track and Field Coach, propelling the program to new heights. Despite navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, he orchestrated a meteoric rise in the team's roster size, setting the stage for unprecedented success. Under his guidance, the team achieved three school records, and his coaching prowess led to an impressive ten individual conference champions.

His impact echoed during his time at Briar Cliff University, where his leadership as the Head Cross-Country Coach and Assistant Track and Field Coach led to standout achievements. He coached Dalton Demers, a standout who clinched the NAIA Marathon National Qualifier, showcasing Christianson's ability to nurture top-tier talent.

Notably, at Southeastern Community College, Christianson played a pivotal role in building a program from the ground up. With his visionary leadership, he laid the foundation for a cross-country team where none existed before, demonstrating his dedication to fostering opportunities for athletes and carving a path to success.

At Waldorf University, Christianson's role as the Director of Cross-Country and Track and Field brought forth exceptional achievements, including a women's team GPA of 3.75 – a testament to both athletic and academic excellence. Moreover, his guidance led to the men's team securing a remarkable second-place finish in the conference, with several athletes claiming top spots in various events. These accomplishments underscore Christianson's innate ability to foster an environment of growth, cultivate champions, and propel collegiate athletes to unparalleled success.

His pioneering spirit shone at the University of Southern Indiana, where he served as an Assistant Cross-Country/Track and Field Coach before taking on the responsibility of Head Sprints and Throws Coach. Under his tutelage, the cross-country teams consistently secured top placements in the GLVC conference, and his role as Head Sprints and Throws Coach ushered in a new era of success. His adept coaching led to school records in the women's 60m hurdles and men's shot put.

While these accomplishments are just a glimpse of Nathan Christianson's extensive coaching journey, they magnificently reflect the depth of expertise he brings to the program.

"I'm really excited, I've actually thought about this the last 48 hours, a lot of stuff I've gone through while coaching, both good and bad, I think has prepared me for this moment," Said Christianson. "I've coached kids who could compete at this level and now having an established program, I still think we have some building to do, it's a young program but just taking that next step."
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