Nate Kimes
The CYSA Game Changer award for May 2025 goes to a local coach who’s making a big impact on and off the field—Nate Kimes. A Caledonia High School graduate (Class of 2010), Nate returned to his hometown in 2021 and embraces being a top-notch youth sports coach through leadership and development.
Nate credits much of his ability to give back to the support of his wife, Chelsea, a nurse and fellow soccer coach. Together, they’re raising two wonderful kids—Liam (8) and Tatum (5)—both of whom are active in local sports including baseball, flag football, basketball, and soccer. “We’re all-in on Caledonia,” Nate says. “And being involved in my kids’ journeys is a huge part of what motivates me to coach.”
Outside the world of youth sports, Nate is the National Sales Manager for SitelogIQ, a company focused on energy efficiency and facility improvement. When he’s not working or coaching, you might find him training at Max Effort, fishing, or playing sports himself.
Nate’s passion for competition started early, shaped by playing basketball and baseball in high school and flag football at CMU. But his drive to coach came from someone extra special, his dad, who spent countless hours coaching Nate’s teams and helping to bring the Cal-Plex facility to life.
“I hate losing more than I like winning,” Nate jokes, “but I’ve always wanted to give back and raise the level of talent in the area. Coaching is the best way to do that, especially with my own kids on the field.” And Nate certainly doesn’t back down from coaching opportunities. He coaches 9 teams!! Yes - NINE! Those include: 6U flag football, 8U flag football, Coach Pitch Plus baseball, 1/2nd grade boys basketball, prek/K basketball, assist for 1st/2nd grade Cal Thunder, assist for 3rd/4th grade Tackle football, 6U boys AYSO soccer, and 8U AYSO boys soccer
His coaching philosophy is simple, yet impactful: “Be a great teammate. Do hard things. Embrace the difficult.” Nate believes that developing young athletes starts with building their mindset early. “If they learn to work hard and support each other now, they’ll take that with them for life.”
Nate doesn’t just coach, he connects. Whether he’s shooting hoops with a few kids at Max Effort or encouraging someone who’s struggling to find their place, he leads with heart. “I want every kid to feel welcome. That they can always come to me with questions or just to play.”
One of his most rewarding moments? Watching kids come back year after year, still carrying lessons they learned under his guidance. “That’s when you know you’ve made a difference,” he says.
“To me, being a Game Changer is a lifestyle,” Nate explains. “It’s about showing up consistently, doing the right thing, and making a positive impact every single time.”
His advice to new youth coaches? “Just do it. You don’t think you have the time, but it’s so worth it. The growth, the smiles, the progress—it’s something you can’t put a price on.”
Looking ahead, Nate is excited about upcoming games, including the 6U Flag Football Championship on June 15 (Go Seahawks!), and his long-term hope is to help grow participation across all Cal sports. “I want to lay the foundation for kids to thrive—not just in sports, but in life.”
If there’s one thing Nate hopes his athletes remember, it’s this: “That I cared. Not just as a coach, but as a person. I want to know how their day was, what they’re excited about, and how I can support them beyond the field.”
May 2025 Game Changer Award sponsored by Sarah and Nate Bieszka
Grand Prize Sponsor, Harder & Warner
