Nathan Choate wrapped up his first season as pitching coach for the Toreros. In 2017, the Toreros struck out 9.7 batters per nine innings, the sixth best rate in the nation and tops in the WCC. Torero ace, Nick Sprengel, went 9-1 to tie a program record for win percentage and was named to the All-WCC First team. Additionally Chris Murphy was named to the Freshmen All-American team after striking out 11.61 batters per nine innings, the fifth best rate in a single-season in program history.
After the season, three Torero pitchers were selected in the 2017 MLB Draft: Jonathan Teaney (20th round, Cleveland Indians), Sean Barry (21st round, Chicago Cubs), Troy Conyers (23rd round, Atlanta Braves).
Before coming to USD, Choate had been the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Grand Canyon University for five years. While at GCU, he helped lead the 'Lopes to a D-II World Series appearance and a WAC Championship while the school was transitioning to D-I. Choate also spearheaded a top 35 ranked recruiting class in 2015.
Prior to his time at Grand Canyon, Choate spent four years at UC Riverside, where he served as the Highlanders' pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, helping 11 pitchers get drafted by MLB clubs, including Joe Kelly (Boston Red Sox) and Matt Andriese (Tampa Bay Rays).
Before UCR, Choate was the pitching coordinator for UC Irvine, which finished fourth at the 2007 College World Series.
Choate pitched collegiately at Cal Poly for two seasons, where he was awarded the Jim Newkirk Fireman's Award, given to the team's best relief pitcher, in his junior and senior seasons. He also pitched two seasons at Santa Ana Junior College in 1998 and 1999, helping the Dons to a third-place national finish in 1999.
Choate is married to Lori Choate and has four kids: Kamdyn, Chance, Kyla and Kacey.
