Ryan Thompson Named AD, Todd Garrett Named VP

OLATHE, Kan. - After 19 seasons at the helm of MNU Baseball, Ryan Thompson was named Director of Athletics this week. Todd Garrett, AD since January of 2017, moves across campus as the Vice President of University Advancement and Athletics. He leaves the department after back-to-back Commissioner's Cups, and was named Conference AD of the Year in 2024 and 2025. "It's my extreme honor to announce Coach Ryan Thompson as our next Director of Athletics at MidAmerica Nazarene University," said Garrett. "Ryan served as MNU's Head Baseball coach from January 2007 to July 2025, leading the program through 19 seasons of unprecedented success in the Heart Conference and NAIA. The excellence with which the program has achieved under his watch is inspiring and recognizable in our department and across the nation. Ryan's commitment to MNU's mission along with his consistent investment in young people's holistic development positions him well to lead the athletic department in to the future. Ryan's heart for service and intimate awareness of the NAIA and the Heart of America Athletic Conference provide him advanced knowledge of the intercollegiate landscape and the opportunities that abound for the future of Pioneer Athletics."

Thompson had a record of 565-365 in MNU's best stretch in program history. His teams won 3 conference titles, won 2 conference tournament titles, earned 8 appearances at Nationals, and won 2 Opening Rounds to reach the World Series twice.

"After 19 incredible seasons as Head Baseball Coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University, I have made the decision to step away from coaching and embrace a new opportunity as Director of Athletics," said Thompson. "It has been an honor to lead the baseball program, and I'm deeply grateful for the student-athletes, colleagues, and community who have made this journey so meaningful. I want to thank Dr. Jon North and Todd Garrett for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to continue serving MNU in this new capacity. I look forward to helping shape the future of Pioneer Athletics."

Nolan Hoff, last year's assistant baseball coach, was named Interim Head Coach for the 25-26 season.