Rasmussen signs extension through the 2029 season

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OREM, Utah — Utah Valley University head baseball coach Nate Rasmussen has signed a contract extension through the 2029 season. So far in 2025, Rasmussen has led the Wolverines to 32 wins—the most ever by a first-year head coach in program history. Under his leadership, UVU claimed the WAC Tournament title and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament—both for just the second time in the school’s Division I era.

“Coach Rasmussen has quickly proven his coaching style and philosophy can be successful in leading our program to the next level,” said UVU director of athletics Dr. Jared Sumsion. “To take over the program and get us into a regional in his first season is a great accomplishment. I have watched Coach Rasmussen work diligently over the years—his work ethic and efficiency is second to none. This extension gives us stability for our coaches and student-athletes for years to come. The future is bright for our baseball program under his leadership.”

The Wolverines are competing in their second NCAA regional this weekend after winning the 2025 WAC Tournament—marking the program’s first appearance since 2016. UVU finished third in the regular-season WAC standings and remains the only WAC program to place in the top three each of the past three seasons.

“This extension represents the tireless work of the players and the coaching staff. Nothing is ever done alone in obtaining success,” said Rasmussen. “I am grateful for the players who stuck around and believed in the program, as well as the coaches who moved their families for that belief. I’m grateful to the leadership and direction from our administrative leaders, including Jared Sumsion, VP Val Peterson, and President Astrid Tuminez. My wife, Alissa, and my boys are extremely excited to continue growing our life here in Orem!”

Several players earned conference and national recognition during Rasmussen’s debut campaign. Four Wolverines were named WAC Hitter or Pitcher of the Week, including three newcomers. UVU also landed four players on the All-WAC teams: Mason Strong and Jayden Smith received first-team honors, while Dominic Longo II and Luke Iverson were named to the second team.

Rasmussen’s influence extends beyond his inaugural season as head coach. He previously served four years on the UVU staff, including a promotion to associate head coach following the 2023 season. He was recognized nationally on D1Baseball’s “100 Assistant Coaches Athletic Directors Should Know” list and was selected to attend the prestigious Surefire Forum, an invitation-only event for the nation’s top assistant coaches.

As recruiting coordinator, Rasmussen orchestrated a complete roster overhaul that powered the program’s remarkable turnaround—from 10 wins in 2021 to 34 wins in 2023 and a WAC Championship game appearance. His efforts helped elevate the program to national relevance. During his tenure in Orem, six players have earned first-team All-WAC recognition. He also helped develop standout catcher Burke Camper, UVU’s first semifinalist for the Buster Posey Award, presented annually to the top catcher in college baseball. Daniel Dickinson was named NCBWA District Player of the Year and earned multiple All-America honors.

The Wolverines have shattered several program records under Rasmussen’s leadership, including single-season marks for stolen bases, walks, and home runs. In 2024, UVU became the first team in NCAA history to hit 100 home runs, steal 60 bases, and be hit by 100 pitches in the same season.

Rasmussen’s player development success has translated to the professional level. UVU has produced its highest-ever MLB Draft pick, Casey Anderson (Arizona Diamondbacks), along with Mitch Mueller (Minnesota Twins), both currently playing in affiliated minor league systems. Cole Jordan, Calyn Halvorson, Garrett Broussard, and Patrick Mills are also playing professionally in various leagues across the country.

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