Washington State Signs Coach Nathan Choate to Extension Through 2031

In a significant move for its baseball program, Washington State University has announced an extension for head coach Nathan Choate, securing his position through the year 2031. This decision follows a remarkable season that saw the Cougars clinch the Mountain West Conference Championship and make their first NCAA Baseball Tournament appearance since 2010.

Director of Athletics Jon Haarlow expressed his enthusiasm for Choate's future with the program, stating, “I could not be more excited about Coach Choate leading our baseball program well into the future.” The extension comes on the heels of a season that, despite ending earlier than hoped in the NCAA Regional round, marked the Cougars' most successful campaign in over a decade.

Washington State concluded the 2026 season with a record of 31-28, achieving the highest number of wins in 16 years, and setting a program record with a 3.45 GPA for the fall semester. Their conference title was the first since 1976, positioning the Cougars favorably as they transition to a new-look Pac-12.

The Cougars' journey in the NCAA Tournament included a victory against Oregon State, but they were ultimately eliminated after losing consecutive games to Oregon and again to Oregon State. Throughout the season, several players made notable contributions, with Max Hartman setting a single-season record with eight triples and Nick Lewis becoming the first Cougars pitcher to earn Conference Pitcher of the Year honors since 2000.

As Coach Choate looks ahead, he aims to build on this season's achievements and guide Washington State back into the NCAA Tournament next year. With a fresh conference landscape and the momentum from their recent accomplishments, the Cougars are poised to chase another conference title and deeper tournament success.