DAHLONEGA - The University of North Georgia (UNG) has announced Nolan Belcher as the next head baseball coach, ushering in a new chapter in a proud tradition that spans generations. While Belcher becomes just the second head coach since the reinstatement of baseball on campus, he now leads a program whose legacy began at North Georgia College and continues today at the Peach Belt Conference and NCAA Division II levels. Following a national search, Belcher has signed a multi-year contract to lead the Nighthawks into a new era of excellence.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Belcher, his wife Rachel, and their children Brooks and Anna Grace to the Nighthawk family," said Mary Rob Plunkett, Director of Athletics. "Nolan is a proven winner — as both a player at the highest levels and a head coach who's built championship programs. His humility, leadership and team-first mindset make him a powerful fit not only for our baseball program but for the broader vision we have for Nighthawk Athletics. We're excited to partner with him as we take North Georgia Baseball to new heights."

Belcher brings with him a track record of sustained success. Over five seasons as head coach at Georgia College & State University (GCSU), Belcher compiled a 142-108 (.568) record, leading the Bobcats to four winning seasons and three 30-win campaigns. His 2024 team made history with 37 wins, the program's highest since 2018, and a run to the NCAA Southeast Super Regional, the first in school history.

Belcher serves as the Peach Belt Conference Baseball Coaches Committee Chair and sits on the NCAA Division II Southeast Baseball Regional Advisory Committee.

He now takes the helm of a UNG team that posted a 41-17 record in 2025, shared the Peach Belt Conference regular-season title, and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2017.

"Stepping into this role at North Georgia is an incredible honor," Belcher said. "This is a program with rich tradition, passionate fans and a strong foundation for success. My family and I are thrilled to become part of this community, and I look forward to building on what's been established. Our goal is simple — to leverage the outstanding support and compete at the highest level, with grit, humility and purpose."

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Belcher starred as a pitcher at South Carolina, winning back-to-back national titles in 2010 and 2011 and helping the Gamecocks to a runner-up finish in 2012. He later became a highly respected pitching coach and recruiter in the Peach Belt Conference and NCAA Division I, developing multiple MLB draft picks and All-Americans.

"UNG is building the most competitive, value-added Division II athletic program in the nation — not just for wins on the field, but for the leadership and impact our student-athletes bring to their communities," said UNG President Michael Shannon. "Coach Belcher represents the caliber of leadership that drives this vision forward — grounded in excellence, built on accountability and committed to developing young men of purpose. We're proud to welcome him and his family to UNG."

Belcher officially begins his tenure at North Georgia on Monday, June 9. An introductory press conference will take place Wednesday (June 4) at 4:00 p.m. in Price Memorial Hall.