Aug. 2, 2010
South Carolina Release On Meyers
NORFOLK, VA--Old Dominion University Athletic Director Dr. Wood Selig announced today that assistant coach Nate Goulet has been named interim Head Baseball coach replacing Jerry Meyers who resigned to become the pitching coach at the University of South Carolina.
Meyers compiled a 167-158 record at ODU in six seasons and was named the 2006 Colonial Athletic Association's Coach of the Year.
DR. WOOD SELIG QUOTES
"I would like to thank Coach Meyers and his family for all they have accomplished during their six years at the helm of ODU baseball. Coach Meyers leaves our program in excellent position academically and in position to continue to compete for CAA championships which will always be our goal. Jerry is highly respected throughout the baseball community and I am truly sorry we were only able to work together for such a short stint. ODU had 14 baseball student athletes signed or drafted by MLB during the time Jerry guided our program which is a reflection of the talent level Jerry and his staff have been able to attract."
"Given the timing of this announcement, rather than conduct a national search for a head coach as we prepare to start a new school year, I feel it is in the program's best interest and in the best interest of our baseball student-athletes to elevate assistant coach Nate Goulet to head coach for an interim period of the 2010-11 season. This will allow for continuity within our program at this time which should benefit those who are returning as well as our incoming class. Coach Goulet has been part of the ODU baseball program for 5 years and has an excellent relationship with our student-athletes. We will begin an immediate search for an assistant coach with an extensive pitching background to ensure our pitchers are given every opportunity to further their development and command of that aspect of the game."
"We have high aspirations for ODU baseball. We are about to begin construction on several projects to enhance the stadium, clubhouse, and offices which have been privately funded. We are making great strides on raising the necessary funds for an indoor batting complex that would also assist us in our goal to be a nationally ranked baseball program on a consistent basis. Following the 2010-11 season we will evaluate and make a determination at that time on a national search."
Nate Goulet QUOTE
"It is an honor for me and my family to be named interim Head Coach here at Old Dominion University.I would like to thank President John Broderick and Athletic Director Dr. Wood Selig for giving me this opportunity. Our staff will work extremely hard to continue the foundation and tradition of this program that has been set by the coaches and players who have preceded us. With the incoming classalong with the returning players we are looking forward to the coming season."
Jerry Meyers QUOTE
"My family and I have really enjoyed our time at Old Dominion University. I deeply appreciate the opportunity I was given here six years ago. I will always be very thankful for the kindness and support given by many associated with the program. The future holds great things for ODU Baseball. Under the direction of Dr. Selig and President Broderick, there is not a better time to be a part of the University and ODU Athletics. "
Nate Goulet BIO
Nate Goulet, a native of Nashua, NH, served Old Dominion University as an assistant coach for five years. He became the Monarchs recruiting coordinator in 2009. He also worked with the catchers and hitters.
Since his arrival, the team offense has increased in batting averages, doubles, walks, RBI's, and slugging percentage. In 2006, ODU catchers threw out roughly 50% of base stealers and have also been able to handle one of the Colonial Athletic Association best pitching staffs.
During Goulet's first two years with ODU, two catchers have signed professionally in Patrick Nichols with the Washington Nationals and Tyler Belcher with the Florida Marlins. Former catcher Joe Velleggia earned tournament MVP honors during his first summer in the Cal Ripkin Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, and was the selected in the 40th round of the 2010 Baseball draft. Goulet also helped guide the Monarchs to a second place finish in the 2006 regular season, along with a regular season championship in 2007.
Prior to coming to ODU, Goulet was the assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator at East Tennessee State University from 1999 - 2005. During his six years at ETSU, Goulet worked with hitters, infielders and catchers. He coached and recruited 13 players drafted into professional baseball, 14 All-Conference players, and also had 3 recruiting classes ranked top 50 nationally. Other accomplishments while at ETSU include a top 50 national ranking in team batting average and slugging percentage in each of his last three seasons, as well as, a top 65 national ranking in home runs per game. In 2005, ETSU ranked top 10 in the nation for home runs, doubles per game, and slugging percentage.
Goulet also had the privilege of coaching Caleb Moore, Louisville Sluggers Second-Team All-American, who led the nation with a .455 batting average and doubles per game (0.60) during the 2004 season.
Goulet also served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Delaware State University from 1998-1999. During that season, he helped lead the Hornets to the MEAC North Conference. Goulet coached the MEAC's Player of the Year and that team broke numerous offensive records.
Goulet was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Lincoln Memorial University in 1997-1998, where he worked with hitters and infielders, while also assisting with recruiting.
At LMU, Goulet earned all-conference honors as a shortstop, broke the single season homerun record, and helped lead the team to a No. 13 national ranking. He was voted team captain his senior year (LMU), as well as, his sophomore year, while attending Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Goulet earned a bachelors degree in kinesiology and health from LMU in 1997.
Goulet and his wife, Louise, also a Nashua, NH native, were married in July 2005 and reside in Chesapeake, VA. They have a daughter, Caroline Jeanne, born Sept. 10, 2009.