Nathaniel (Nate) Hughes is in his third year as Athletic Director at the Baptist University of Florida (BUF) and second year as the Head Men's Basketball Coach. Hughes led the Eagles to 10 wins in their inaugural season, including the program's first conference tournament victory to close out the season.
Prior to BUF, Nate served as a Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and Program Director at Foundation Academy (2020-2024), Program Director of Kingdom Basketball Academy (2021-2024), Junior Varsity Head Basketball Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Foundation Academy (2019-2020), Junior Varsity Head Basketball Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Orangewood Christian (2016-2019), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Coach for The National Basketball Academy (2015-2022), and Student Assistant Coach at Cedarville University (2012-2015).
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 both started and led 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 and a Master's Degree in Education from the Baptist University of Florida in 2026. He is married to his wife Rachel, and they have two sons, Elijah and Nehemiah.
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."
