Over the past 22 years, Nathan Pearson has built softball programs at a handful of schools mostly in the northwest part of Oklahoma.
When the opportunity arose to join the established success at Caddo, Pearson and his family didn’t hesitate at moving all the way across the state.
“I knew (Caddo principal) J.T. Busby and the softball world kind of brought us this direction,” Pearson commented. “My daughter played travel softball with several girls in this area of the state and when presented with this opportunity we thought it would be a good fit for us.”
Pearson began his coaching career way out in the pan- handle at Felt for three years before moving to Canute for one year. He spent four years as head coach at Covington-Douglas, nine years at Ringwood and the past five years at Waukomis.
His last three coaching stops have been building toward state tournament appearances, including three at Waukomis. That run included the school’s first-ever fast pitch state tournament last fall when they ironically fell to Caddo in the opening round.
While Pearson is expected to help with basketball and even football coaching possibly, his main task for the Lady Bruins will be slow pitch softball where the Caddo squad has played in five consecutive state championship contests.
“I really enjoy coaching softball but am willing to help out wherever they need me,” he said. “Coach (Dustin) McKay has done a tremendous job with the softball program, and they will continue to be successful. Basically, every program I have been a part of has been a building project, which I enjoyed. It’s encouraging though to come into a place that has a culture that is different with their success. There is a standard they like to play by and we are looking forward to joining that.”
Pearson and his wife were joined in the journey far from their roots by their 9th grade daughter, who will be a freshman competing in softball and basketball, as well as 7th grade son that participates in football, basketball and baseball.
They moved into a new house in late May and have spent most of the summer getting to know the community, which he said has gone well.
“I have been getting acclimated to the other coaches and players over the summer,” he added. “My wife and I are both from small schools. We grew up in small schools, so this is right up our alley. Everyone has been very welcoming and nice.
“We are sold on what’s going on here at Caddo. We had to be in order to move three and a half hours south. It’s going to be a great fit for us.”
