Roling honored after leading baseball’s best season since 2008

INDIANOLA, Iowa – From preseason underdog to conference contender, Simpson baseball's breakthrough season has earned Nathan Roling this year's SC ESPY Coach of the Year honor.

Alongside assistant coaches Ryan Willis, Trent Dooley, Josh Breitbarth, Trey Castile, Cameron Liston, and Cole McDonald, Roling guided the Storm to a 24-18 overall record and a 14-10 mark in American Rivers Conference play. The campaign culminated with Roling being named A-R-C Coach of the Year, becoming the program's first conference Coach of the Year recipient since 2006.

Picked to finish last in the conference's preseason poll, the Storm exceeded expectations throughout the spring, finishing third in the league standings for their highest conference finish since 2008. Simpson's 24 victories were its most since 2008, while the team's 13 home wins were the program's highest total at McBride Field since 1990.

Under Roling's leadership, Simpson developed one of the most productive offenses in recent program history. The Storm recorded their highest totals in runs and hits since 2009, while producing the program's most doubles, home runs, RBIs, and total bases since 2004. Simpson also posted its highest walk total since 1999, most stolen bases since 2011, and set a new program record for hit-by-pitches. The team's batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage were all the highest of the Roling era.

Five Storm players earned all-conference recognition, including First Team All-A-R-C selections Tijmen Nagel, Charlie Thomas, and Drew Carlson. Simpson's three first team honorees were its most since 2004. Trenten Kingrey and Jacob Roberts also received all-conference recognition, while Kingrey and Jake Edeburn went on to earn all-region honors.

The Storm's success extended beyond the field as well, as Simpson ranked second in the conference with 16 A-R-C All-Academic Team selections. Kasey Carter, Jake Edenburn, and Jack Shaffer also achieved College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors, the program's highest total since 2023.

2025-26 SC ESPYS
Blake Perrin - Male Record-Breaking Performer of the Year
Jenna Thornburg, Emma Cooper, Molly Moore, Aubrey McDaniel (4x100 relay) - Female Record-Breaking Performers of the Year
Noah Noland - Male Newcomer of the Year
Abby Bell - Female Newcomer of the Year
Nathan Roling - Coach of the Year