Nate Johnson – Field Manager

Since 2020, he has been the head coach at Orange Coast College, and part of the coaching staff since 2014 where he has built a strong program focused on player development and success. Nate Johnson also spent time with the Stingers as the first player drafted in 2010 and as an assistant coach in 2015 and 2016.  A former standout at Pepperdine University, Johnson played from 2009 to 2013 with an All-West Coast Conference honorable mention in 2010. Excited for his return to Willmar, he looks forward to leading the team and continuing its winning tradition. Nate and his wife Jonai reside is Costa Mesa, California.

Nick Belzer – Pitching Coach

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa. He played at Minnesota State – Mankato (2016–2018) and spent three seasons in the Northwoods League with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and Mankato MoonDogs. Professionally, he pitched for the St. Paul Saints, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, and later played in the American Association for the Kansas City Monarchs and Kane County Cougars, earning 2024 All-Star honors. He wrapped up his career with the Canberra Cavalry in Australia. After a successful college and pro career, Belzer will lead the Stingers’ pitching staff this summer.

Derek Shoen – Hitting Coach

Shoen comes from Truman, Minnesota. He joins the Stingers this summer with extensive playing and hitting experience. He began at Iowa Western CC, helping the team reach the 2019 NJCAA JUCO World Series final, then starred at the University of Mary, earning All-Conference honors three times and setting single-season records for home runs and hits. After college, he played a year of independent pro baseball across four leagues and now shares his expertise through private instruction at Becker Baseball Facility.

Augie Rodriguez – Recruiting Coordinator

Rodriguez joins the Stingers with years of coaching and managing experience in the Northwoods League. A former college player at Darton College and Augusta State (1998–2002), he went on to play pro ball through 2007, including a stint with the Criollos de Caguas in Puerto Rico. He began coaching at Augusta State in 2010 and later managed St. Cloud from 2012–2020, earning Northwoods League Manager of the Year honors in 2016. Rodriguez resides in St. Cloud with his wife Rachel, his daughter Vivianna, and son, AJ.