By: Nate Snare (@NateSnare)
There’s a new Athletic Director on the campus of Virginia Tech these days. I took the time to get to know the new “Head Hokie” a little better, and let me tell you, they’ve got a guy Coach Beamer would be proud of.
Being thrown into the fire didn’t deter Nate Snare. With just one season of coaching as a Recruiting Coordinator under his belt, he stepped in to fill the void when Virginia Tech needed leadership the most. We’ve come to acknowledge Virginia Tech as one of the most active and engaged locker rooms within the CFSL. Keeping that locker together was priority number one.
That task was undeniably successful. Next up was just “learning on the fly” how to be an AD. Snare credits his fellow ADs with being there to answer questions and provide support as he learned the ropes. He was also quick to point out that SGEasty helped with his PS3 setup, an important tool for any athletic director and coach in the CFSL. Last, but not least, Nate was candid about fellow members of the league being so supportive during the transition.
As a player, Nate joined the CFSL in Season 17 and won a MAC Championship in Season 18 under Yost. After the MAC dissolved, he found himself in the Big10 with USC and went on to win back-to-back National Championships. Season 22 would bring the Team Spirit award to Virginia Tech, and for Nate, a Fan of the Year award was voted in his favor by fellow players. To say the man knows winning is an understatement for his 7 seasons in the league.
Nate shows his character when asked why he wanted to become an AD. He admitted that he didn’t necessarily have his eyes set on the position, but it was what his teammates deserved. Discussing at length how, after the ordeal in Season 23 that the team needed someone to stand for them and have their backs. That bell has been answered in a big way with the leadership of Snare. Weighing the needs and overall team goals of his Hokie brethren led to the decision to stay on as athletic director and give his team their best shot at success. The messages received thanking him for staying and stepping up are what drive the ambition and fuel the fire.
“We deserved better.”
Those three words sealed the fate for Virginia Tech when rubber met the road in Nate Snare’s decision to become the full-time AD. Attitude reflects leadership, and it’s easy to see why the Hokies have the presence they do within the CFSL.
My next question was about short and long-term goals. It was answered much like the previous one with “culture”. A culture that stands out. Players who are committed to the program and advancing it. Snare shared that the foundation is strong with those already present and their determination. His next quote showed wisdom beyond his short coaching experience:
“Only one team wins the national championship every season. I want to build a culture of fun, good times, and positivity to make an impact beyond wins and losses. With that mentality, I believe wins and championships will follow.”
One question that I’ve asked every AD in this series is, who is one player they’ve coached previously that they’d add to their new squad if they could? Nate said that since he didn’t have very much coaching experience, he’d go with a former teammate. That player was former USC Trojan, Alexander Tolbert. Snare commended not only the on-field play of the pass catcher, but his locker room presence as well. Not to be left out, UmbreonUntamed was also mentioned. It’s worth noting that he serves on the Hokie staff currently.
The Virginia Tech locker room is gaining a full-time AD who, in his own words, “wants it as bad as anyone”. Snare also says staying level is important, and his desire is for the team to be successful more than himself.
Outside of the CFSL, Nate is a married man with an almost 2-year-old daughter. His “day job” is as a night shift aerospace machinist. The Kansas native is an avid bow hunter and archery hobbyist. A member of Wichita State’s shooting team in his college days, he graduated with a Sports Management degree. While running Virginia Tech in the CFSL, Snare says that Michigan and Kansas State are his real-life teams.
Best of luck to Nate and the rest of Virginia Tech in Season 24!
