During his four years as a Bruin from 2007-11, Nate Woods '11 was one of the program's top pitchers and sluggers. As a batter, the Iowa native is the single season leader in homeruns with 20 and RBIs with 78. He also ranks second all-time in career homeruns with 40 and fourth in career RBIs with 172. On the mound, he ranks sixth in program history in career wins with 20 and seventh in career starts with 44. Nate was a two-time first team All-Atlantic Sun selection and was named All-South Region in 2010. He was also a part of Belmont Baseball's first A-Sun Championship and first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2011.
Recently, Nate talked to BelmontBruins.com about his time on campus and his current life as a husband, father, health care business professional, and Belmont adjunct professor.
Why did you choose Belmont?
Being from Iowa, I wanted to play in the South where the weather is warm in the Spring. Little did I know; February in Tennessee is cold.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Belmont?
Winning the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament in 2011 and going to the NCAA Tournament where we knocked off Oklahoma State and Troy.
Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career at Belmont and how?
The entire Athletic Department keeping me eligible, Coach Jarvis who was like a father figure away from home, the 50+ teammates over the years and even the alumni players who would come around every so often and share their wisdom.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Belmont?
The relationships built with teammates, coaches, professors, classmates and the Athletic Department.
What advice would you give to current members of the baseball team?
Stay close to your teammates and "find a way to get the job done…where there is a will, there is a way," as Coach Jarvis used to say.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Gary Garrison – Professor & Department Chair of Business Systems & Analytics. He connected me to HCA where I got my first job and I currently work, today. Later he urged me to get my MBA and now I teach in his department as an adjunct.
Where do you live now?
Nolensville, Tennessee
Who is your employer?
HealthTrust Performance Group where I work with health systems across the country to strengthen performance and clinical excellence.
Tell us about your family.
A Belmont Baseball alum, Wilson Tucker, introduced me to my wife, Rebecca, years ago. Today, we've been married seven years and have two kids Victoria (4) and Wilson (2). Victoria loves to swim and play with her friends while Wilson enjoys playing ball and riding in his sister's car around the neighborhood. We love to play outside and explore new things.
