Nate Etheridge returns back to his alma mater joining the WOU baseball coaching staff for the 2020 season. The former All-Conference performer was a mainstay for the Wolves throughout his four-year playing career in Monmouth.
Etheridge was a three-time All-GNAC selection, being named to the first team and the second team (twice). He also excelled in the classroom being named to the Academic Team in three seasons.
After seeing action in a few games as a freshman, Etheridge became a regular starter as a sophomore, playing in 47 games that season that included 46 starts. During the 2014 season, he hit .306 with 52 hits, 11 doubles, 23 runs scored, five home runs and 32 RBI. He was also solid in the field with a .992 fielding percentage in 364 total chances.
As a junior during the 2015 season, Etheridge was again near .300 hitting .292 with 50 hits, 11 doubles, 25 runs scored, a triple and 22 RBI while playing in 48 games that included 47 starts. It was another strong effort in the field with a .989 fielding percentage.
As a senior in 2016, Etheridge put together his best season hitting .327 with 53 hits, 32 runs scored, 11 doubles, a triple, five home runs and 42 RBI while playing in 47 games that included 44 starts. He posted a .988 fielding percentage during the season and added five stolen bases.
For his career at Western Oregon, Etheridge played in 144 total games that included 137 starts. He hit .308 with 155 hits, 79 runs scored, 33 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 96 RBI. He swiped eight bases and held a .990 fielding percentage in 1,056 total chances in the field.
