Corban Grad Promoted to Head of Warrior Softball

Former head coach Michelle Hext noted a number of reasons, including health concerns, for resigning.

Former assistant coach Nathan Ohta steps into the head coaching role for the Warrior softball program following the resignation of Michelle Hext. Photo courtesy: Corban Sports Information

SALEM, Ore. - Assistant Corban softball coach Nathan Ohta has been promoted to the head of the Warrior softball program following the resignation of former coach Michelle Hext.

Ohta, a 2002 Corban graduate, takes the helm, stepping in to replace Michelle Hext who resigned July 2 after leading the Warriors this past year.

Ohta joined Hext as her top assistant in the spring, and the two helped re-invigorate the softball program.

Corban improved its overall and conference records in 2007, while beating NCAA Division II Northwest Nazarene and every NAIA conference opponent except one.

Hext noted a number of reasons, including health concerns, for resigning.

The former Portland State pitching star also said a recent new career opportunity added to the decision-making process.

The new position, according to Hext, alleviated the burdens of uprooting and leaving home, family, friends, local church, and pitching lessons' clientele that coaching responsibilities were making necessary.

"We are of course very sorry to see Michelle step down after such an encouraging year, but it makes a lot of sense for her to make this decision now to pursue some important financial, relational, and spiritual goals she has at this time in her life," said Nelson.

Ohta, who is currently coaching the Oregon Slammers U14 summer team, returns to the head of the sport he helped launch back in 2001 when he oversaw Corban's first club softball team.

For two years (2001-2003) Ohta handled all administrative, recruiting, and coaching duties during the program's club phase, helping the college advance Warrior softball to an official intercollegiate sport in 2004.

"Corban has always been a special place to me, and I'm excited to be able to coach a sport I love at a school I love," said Ohta.

Ohta, who is also employed as a teacher at Albany Christian School, will have nine returning letter winners to build around, including all-conference player and team MVP Lindsay Batey, eight returning starters, and top recruits that include Jen Kollaer from West Albany and Amber Meeker of St. Helens.

"Nathan has definitely earned his right to take over this program and continue it on the upward trajectory Michelle and he established in just a single season," said Nelson. "We have been greatly impressed and encouraged by his integrity, his handling of young athletes, and his coaching and recruiting mentality."

The Warriors open their 2008 conference softball season at Eastern Oregon University, March 21.

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