PUC Welcomes Tony Nakashima as New Athletic Director

After an intense search and countless prayers, Pacific Union College is happy to appoint Tony Nakashima as the new Athletic Director.

Nakashima graduated from PUC with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing in 2010. Coming back to PUC was a full circle moment for Nakashima, as he truly enjoyed his student experience and is devoted to influencing students’ lives in the same way.

“I am committed to developing the student athlete as a whole, equipping each team with the tools they need to thrive spiritually, academically, athletically, and personally,” states Nakashima.

Nakashima brings 11 years of coaching experience across multiple levels of collegiate athletics. Before joining PUC, he served as the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Walla Walla University, where he was named the winningest coach in the program’s history.

Prior to Walla Walla, Nakashima held positions as assistant coach and coaching video coordinator in various collegiate institutions across the country. One of his greatest accomplishments was winning the NAIA National Championship in 2019 while serving as the assistant coach at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana.

Nakashima highlights the importance of using athletics as a form of ministry, where sports serve as a platform to impact lives and honor God.

“I am excited to build strong relationships with the coaches, student athletes, faculty, staff, and community. I am also looking forward to creating the best possible experience for the student athletes while enhancing the visibility and engagement of each program to foster a strong sense of school pride,” says Nakashima.

Nakashima also plans to collaborate with administration and the college community to create experiences that foster connection with surrounding areas.

Vice President of Student and Spiritual Life, Aimee Leukert, was immediately captivated by Nakashima’s positive energy and passion for athletics.

“He has a clear interest in collaborating, creating clear lines of communication with faculty, and building strong rosters for each sport. He is a PUC alumnus - and it's always fun to bring someone "back home.” Nakashima shared many times how much he loved his time as a student at PUC and how thrilled he was to come back to serve at his alma mater,” says Leukert.

Because PUC has been intentionally investing in the athletics program, they searched for a candidate who encompasses strong leadership skills to continue cultivating passion and drive within the department.

Nakashima will begin as the new athletic director on July 1.