"Express Athletics is excited to announce Nate as the leader of men's soccer. As an alumni he understands the integral pieces of a successful program and the important balance of athletics and academics. I would also like to thank our College administration for their support in re-establishing soccer to our sport offerings." - Shelley Whitaker, Athletic Director

Baer will be tasked with restarting the Men's program that last competed in the fall of 2015.  

"I couldn't be more excited to be chosen to lead the restart of Owens Community College Men's Soccer program. First off, I would like to thank the athletic administration – Shelley Whitaker, John Parisho and Ann LaVoy.

Owens holds a significant place in my journey as a student-athlete, person and now coach.  I look forward to the connection, opportunities and impact Owen's Men's Soccer will bring to the Toledo soccer community.  The program will provide a platform to compete at the next level while creating a pathway for additional opportunities at 4-year institutions.  I am excited to pave the way and restore the tradition of competing at both the regional and national levels.

Baer brings a wealth of experience and success having previously served as head coach for two prominent high school soccer programs in both Mason and Ottawa Hills high school.

Most recently, Baer spent the prior 3 years as head coach at Mason High School achieving a total record of 37-13-9 & league record of 22-3-2 while earning 2 conference titles, 3 sectional titles and 2 district titles and finishing both 2021 & 2022 as the #1 team in the City (Cincinnati).

Prior to that he served as head coach at Ottawa Hills High School for 8 seasons. Under his leadership the Green Bears earned a record of 112-34-6 and a league record of 58-2 while achieving 8 league titles, 8 sectional titles, 4 district titles, 2 regional titles and 1 state final appearance. He earned what is considered the highest award HS soccer coach can receive as the 2019 National Federation of State High Schools Coach of the Year. The NFHS award resulted from Baer having been named Ohio soccer coach of the year for 2018 by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Coach Baer has been named the league Coach of the Year from 2013-2021 between both high school programs. His coaching licenses include: USSF National E License, USSF National D License, Futsal Level 3/4, and TOVO methodology. Baer has also gained experience via the youth club soccer platform with Toledo Celtics, Pacesetter Soccer Club and Ohio Elite Soccer Academy.

Baer played for the Express Men's soccer team, led by Art Johnson in the fall of 2006 and 2007 and went on to captain the Lake Erie College Men's soccer team while earning a B.S in Marketing. He currently is the founder and principal consultant of a Data Analytics Consulting Startup.

Baer resides in Perrysburg with his wife, Sam and 4 daughters – Quinn, Brinnly, Rian and Logan.

For recruiting information you can email:  nathan_baer@owens.edu