Bio

Head Baseball Coach, Mendocino College

Michael Nackord enters his second season as Head Baseball Coach at Mendocino College, where he continues to build a program defined by resilience, pride, and high standards of excellence.

In his first season at the helm in 2025, Nackord guided the Eagles through a notable turnaround that reflected the team’s growth, character, and competitive spirit. Alongside Coach Nackord, coaches Brett Kim and Bill Kurata helped the staff establish a consistent message and approach that gained momentum as the season progressed. Mendocino won 10 of its final 15 games, including a walk-off victory over the 2025 Bay Valley Conference champions, Laney College; multiple series sweeps; and a six-game winning streak to close the year.

The Eagles climbed from seventh to fourth in the Bay Valley Conference standings, narrowly missing a playoff berth, and posted a .295 team batting average, outscoring opponents 133–81 over the final stretch of the season. The starting pitching staff also made significant strides down the stretch, recording two complete games and providing a consistent competitive edge in the second half. Elijah Aguilar led the staff with 42 strikeouts, while Dominic Joseph posted a staff-best 3.84 ERA, earning Bay Valley Conference All-League honors.

Both on and off the field, the program earned recognition for its performance and academic achievement. Five players—Maddox Albaum, Lane Cox, Darius Ford, Scotty Kato, andGriffin Roberts—were named to the 2025 CCCBCA Academic All-State Team. In addition, Caleb Ford (First Team All-Conference), Cody Guy (Second Team All-Conference), and Dominic Joseph (Second Team All-Conference) received Bay Valley Conference honors for their on-field play.

“The way this group responded to early adversity and finished strong says everything about their heart and commitment,” Nackord said. “They trusted the process and competed like a playoff team.”

Before joining Mendocino College, Nackord spent 17 seasons as an assistant coach at Sonoma State University under legendary head coach John Goelz. During that tenure, the program captured three CCAA conference championships, won two NCAA West Region Championships, and made two College World Series appearances. His work helped guide more than 100 players to professional baseball and supported countless others in achieving academic and personal success.

As a player, Nackord pitched at Sonoma State University and was part of the program’s first CCAA championship team in 1999. He previously competed at Santa Rosa Junior College under coaches Ron Myers and Damon Neidlinger before finishing his collegiate career with a 9–3 record. He later signed a professional contract with the Feather River Mudcats of the Western Baseball League in 2000.

Known for his player-first coaching philosophy, Nackord emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and fundamentals to develop well-rounded student-athletes prepared for success both on and off the field.

In addition to his coaching role, Nackord is a kinesiology lecturer with twelve years of experience at Sonoma State University and was recently hired to teach in the kinesiology department at San José State University. His academic background enables him to integrate evidence-based training principles with practical coaching experience.

Now residing in Ukiah, Nackord has embraced the community and the opportunity to lead Mendocino College's baseball program. He credits his family—his mother, Sally; his sister, Kristie; and his niece, Norah Moon—for their continued support, and he honors the lasting influence of his late father, Ernie Nackord, whose guidance continues to shape his leadership and coaching philosophy.