Washington’s chief coach Nathan Choth visualizes Cougars Baseball in 2025 – Sports Illustrated

Cougars Baseball Coach, Washington State Nathan Choat, began his second season with the program this week, following a campaign in 2024, which ended with a record of 21-32. WSU had an average team level of .270 and ERA team of 6.16 (both #9 in PAC-12) last year.

This year will also be a new challenge for Cougars, launching its first in two years as a partner member of the Mountain West conference. WSU is still looking for their first performance at the 2010 NCAA tournament

Choat sat down with Washington Coogari on SI For the Q&A session for its 2025 campaign, which begins this Friday, February 14, in #4 Arkansas. The first of the four -game series starts at 1:00 pm in Secre Network+

Parts of this transcript are edited for length and clarity.

Question: What do you think is your biggest lesson from the first year in Pullman?

Choate: “I think the biggest is that a specific type of player is needed here. There are some challenges here and I know this, and I think” I’m trying to do and respond to the culture of the state of Washington.

Question: When describe this culture and this specific type of player who can be successful here, what qualities come to mind?

Choate: “Yes, do you know, the things we are looking for is obviously there is a certain level of skills that you should have in terms of baseball. So after checking these fields, the skill we are looking for, really two Things we like in our program.

Question: The first season as a member of the Mountain West comes here. What is your perspective in this league this season and the race you are?

Choate: “I am a man on the west coast and that is why I played every school in the mountain West in the past. The only place I have never been to are the Air Force. This is the only place I have never been like a coach. Baseball. Do we have to show ourselves to play fundamentally sounding baseball.

Question: 18 pitchers in your signing class this year. With regard to putting what you and your staff think you should be twisted or improved by last season and make these guys fit into this equation?

Choate: “I think the biggest thing is the ability to throw strokes and throw many terrains. Do you know a little about us last year was just that we had too many free gaps. We were in the number. Don’t command The fast ball, as much as I would like.

Question: What does these conversations get into these conversations when trying to make the boys be more aggressive in the mound?

Choate: “Yes, much of this is confidence and understanding that as long as they can fulfill their play plan and find where they want and throw with intention. It’s a big word I use. I think the intention is just as much Important as a speed. The day of the game and to be executed.

Question: You recently made a change in the coach in strength and condition. What did this aspect of the extra season looked like?

Choate: “Yes, that was great. Jake Nudam. We brought it, it was in the twin organization, he was in Double. Do you know we had an opening, we just really thought it was important to get a baseball person here. Table and So luckily to bring Jake to the staff, but really trying to find a baseball person to help us develop.

Question: With things like the Taylor Sports Complex, they have become possible by raising funds that Washington State has done in the last few years, what is your experience in working with people like Nil Collective and other people who raise money for WSU?

Choate: “I have worked in many schools from Division I. I believe [fan base]… I think with all the things that have happened in the last eighteen months, you know, if you go to social media for a little while, you will see a complete set of emotions. I think everyone just has to remind you that you can’t be happy when someone is passionate in a good way, and when they hurt or upset and somehow, they don’t understand where these emotions come from. Kug fans, they are so passionate about the school. It means a lot to them. The Athletics Division is the front porch of the university for many people. Sometimes, when I get an email from a fan or something we don’t like playing, I can keep it in perspective and realize where these passions come from. They just really love the school and the program. “

Question: When you think about what you all want to achieve the season, is there a mantra or a specific way of thinking that motivates you?

Choate: “Take the season in different segments. Indeed against Arkansas on the first weekend, the biggest challenge we have is that I want to see if we remain in our character. We practice and play a very good baseball – basic sound. We will play in many Hostile, good environment against a very, very good team.

“But overall the big thing we talked to the boys is that the college athletics really turned into something year of year. You have a team this year, and then with the transfer portal and all that, you have a new new team of Next year. who ask you, so can we just stay locked.

“It is obvious that the ultimate goal is to go to World Series College. You can’t go there if you don’t make a regional. So you have to enter the Petro -Escape to get there. I know this: I have a team that is Built on a picing and defense.

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