Hargrave Varsity Lacrosse
Under new leadership with 15+ years of elite coaching experience, Hargrave is building a program defined by disciplined development, tactical intelligence, and competitive ambition.
“I am honored to join Hargrave Military Academy and lead the lacrosse program. I look forward to helping our cadets grow as athletes, leaders, and young men of character.”
— Nate Bates, Head Lacrosse Coach
Head Coach
Meet the Coach
Coach Bates brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching and athletic leadership experience to Hargrave, with a track record of building programs and developing student-athletes at every level. Most recently, he led Greensboro College to a 12-5 season, tying the program record for most wins. Prior to that, he launched the men’s lacrosse program at William Peace University from the ground up, recruiting the inaugural roster and developing the department’s first strength and conditioning program.
Bates completed graduate studies in Administration and Leadership at Liberty University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Taylor University. He is a co-founder of Carolina Hilltoppers Lacrosse, a youth organization dedicated to player development and collegiate placement, and is actively involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
- Program-building experience, including launching a collegiate program from its inaugural season
- Mentored multiple All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, and North-South All-Stars
- Youth development leadership through Carolina Hilltoppers Lacrosse
- Strength and conditioning program design at the collegiate level
Program Philosophy
Building Complete Student-Athletes
Tactical Intelligence
Modern systems of play built around positional awareness, pressing triggers, and transition speed. Players learn to read the game at a higher level through structured tactical training and video analysis.
Technical Development
Intensive individual skill work with a focus on first touch, passing accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. Our methodology prioritizes quality repetition and game-realistic training environments.
Physical & Mental Resilience
The military academy structure provides an unmatched foundation for athletic discipline. Players develop mental toughness, competitive endurance, and the habits of accountability that define winners.
Program Goals & Vision Ahead
Competitive Recruiting
Aggressively building a roster of dedicated, talented players drawn to a program with elite coaching and a clear development pathway to collegiate competition.
Elevating Competition
Establishing a competitive program through improved player training and structured seasonal preparation.
College Placement
Leveraging the Hargrave Athletics staff’s extensive collegiate network and recruiting expertise to connect qualified players with opportunities at the next level.
Culture of Excellence
Instilling in every player the discipline, teamwork, and character that define a Hargrave Man.
Varsity Lacrosse News
Nate Bates Named Head Lacrosse Coach
Hargrave Military Academy is pleased to announce Nate Bates as the new Head Lacrosse Coach. Nate brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching and athletic leadership experience to Hargrave. He completed graduate studies in Administration and Leadership at Liberty University and ... Read more
Ready to Compete at a Higher Level?
Join a program with elite coaching, a structured development pathway, and the character-building foundation of a military academy education.