Experienced collegiate coach named Lipscomb Academy director of soccer

Nate Chatfield, a high school, club, and collegiate soccer coach for the past 15 years and former collegiate dual soccer and basketball athlete, has been named Lipscomb Academy director of soccer effective February 1, 2024. 

“After having conversations with Nate, I am certain he will be a great addition to the Lipscomb Academy community. Not only will he focus on developing young student-athletes to excel on the field, we are excited for Nate to speak into their lives and walk with them through their spiritual walk with the Lord,” stated Jake House, Lipscomb Academy athletic director. “Nate is passionate about glorifying the Lord in everything we do, and I am looking forward to the impact he will have on the individual student-athletes and this community as a whole.”

Formerly the Lipscomb University women’s soccer associate head coach, Chatfield helped the program win five regular-season ASUN Championships (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023) and three ASUN Tournament Championships (2018, 2019, 2021). During his tenure with Lipscomb, the team advanced to its first ever NCAA tournament (2018) and earned a spot to participate in the NCAA College Cup twice more (2019, 2021). The women’s soccer team was the first Lipscomb athletic team to advance out of the first round of the NCAA tournament. 

“I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead our soccer programs here at Lipscomb Academy,” stated Chatfield. “I would like to specifically thank President McQueen, Dr. Schultz, and Coach House for their faith in me and for allowing me the privilege of impacting young lives through the platform of competitive athletics.” 

In the course of six seasons working with the women’s soccer team at Lipscomb University, Chatfield coached 18 athletes who clinched ASUN All-Conference Team first team honors and 14 athletes with second team honors. Additionally, multiple athletes earned conference honors for their performance on the pitch. Three players were named ASUN Player of the Year (2018, 2022, 2023), two were named ASUN Goalkeeper of the Year (2018, 2021), and four were named ASUN Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2020-21, 2021, 2023). 

Focusing on the whole athlete, Chatfield helped stress the balance of athletics and academics. While developing their human performance, the women’s soccer team pursued excellence in the classroom. During his time at Lipscomb, three athletes were named ASUN Scholar Athlete of the Year, and 27 total earned spots on either the ASUN Academic All-Conference, ASUN Academic, United Soccer Coaches (USC) Academic All-American, USC All-Academic Region, and College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American teams.

During his first season with Lipscomb University, Chatfield received the honor of being named USC South Region Staff of the Year. He ended his service at Lipscomb with an impressive 75-29-12 record.

“What excites me most about taking this role is the ability to combine two things that are often kept separate in the athletic world: competing with excellence and glorifying God. Lipscomb believes as I do - not only can these two actions coexist, they should work together seamlessly. We will compete at the highest level but for an even higher calling!” continued Chatfield.

Prior to joining Lipscomb University, Chatfield coached at both public and independent high schools. At Inter-City Baptist High School in Allen Park, Michigan, he helped lead the boys soccer team to a combined 56-26-1 record during his five years with the team. He was integral in helping develop a dynamic attack at Inter-City that led to eight players named to the Michigan High School Athletic Association All-State team, the Division 4 Player of the Year award (2013), three Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference league championships, and three District titles. While at Inter-City, Chatfield was named 2017 Michigan Independent Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

At Lincoln Park High School in Lincoln Park, Michigan, Chatfield served as girls soccer head coach for two seasons. During his time at Lincoln Park, he doubled the school’s win total ending with a 15-14 record. Chatfield led the girls team to its first +.500 season and best record in school history. 

Chatfield began his coaching career at Northland International University in Dunbar, Wisconsin, coaching the women’s team. He led the team to its first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Regional Championship finishing in third place, the best-ever NCCAA tournament finish for the university (2011). While at Northland International, Chatfield was named 2011 Christian College Sports Network National Coach of the Year.

Chatfield played at the collegiate level at Northland International University where he scored 91 career goals, ranking him second all-time scorer at Northland International. While there, he also tallied 78 career assists, ranking second all-time in assists. Chatfield was named to the NCCAA II All-American First Team three times, NCCAA National Tournament Team two times, team MVP and captain three times. He also set three state records in Michigan as a prep player for career goals (170), career assists (105), and career points (275).

“I want to be a part of our student-athletes’ life-long journey of learning and growth. We will demand excellence from players on the field in the forms of energy, effort, and execution while also helping to train integrity off the field in the forms of character, service, and relationships. We will hold student-athletes to the same standard that we hold the staff: to give 100% effort in whatever we do. Every drill. Every practice. Every game. Every class,” stated Chatfield.

A native of Michigan, Chatfield received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Northland International University, Dunbar, Wisconsin, and a Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from University of Concordia Irvine, Irvine, California. Additionally, he holds multiple coaching certifications from United Soccer Coaches, including the Premier, Advanced National, and Advanced National Goalkeeping.

Chatfield and his wife, Tiffany, have four daughters, Eliana, Chloe, Lily, and Eden, all currently enrolled at Lipscomb Academy.