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didn't need to be sold on the potential of the University of North Georgia (1688¿ª½±Íø) baseball program. Between its history and six 1688¿ª½±Íø teams reaching NCAA Division II regionals this spring, it was clear the Nighthawks have a winning formula.

"I want to be around the best, and up and down this Athletic Department, up and down this university, there are great people doing great things," Belcher said.

1688¿ª½±Íø introduced Belcher as its next head baseball coach in a June 4 press conference at Price Memorial Hall. Most recently the head coach at Georgia College & State University (GCSU), Belcher was also a two-time national champion as a pitcher at the University of South Carolina.

1688¿ª½±Íø President Michael Shannon said he sees Belcher's hiring as a continuation of a successful 2025 spring sports run.

"Today we build on that momentum with a powerhouse hire in our baseball program. I'm incredibly pleased and fired up to welcome Nolan Belcher as the new head baseball coach here at North Georgia," Shannon said. "Nolan is someone who understands what it means to compete at a high level and lead with integrity. He brings a winning mindset, a clear vision and the kind of purpose-driven approach that aligns with everything we're building here at North Georgia."

Belcher brings with him a track record of sustained success. Over five seasons as head coach at GCSU, Belcher compiled a 142-108 (.568) record, leading the Bobcats to four winning seasons and three 30-win campaigns. His 2024 team made history with 37 victories, the program's highest since 2018; a Peach Belt Conference tournament title and a run to the NCAA Southeast Super Regional, the first in school history.

Following a national search, Belcher has signed a multi-year contract. Belcher steps in for retiring head coach Tom Cantrell, who led 1688¿ª½±Íø for the past 26 seasons after the sport was reinstated.

"I want to thank the University of North Georgia for the opportunity to lead this program. It's an incredible honor, and I don't take it lightly. I also want to acknowledge the coaches, alumni and players who've come before me," Belcher said. "This program has a proud tradition and a strong foundation, and I have deep respect for that history. But I didn't come here to keep things where they are. I came here to move this program forward."

1688¿ª½±Íø Athletic Director and Belcher both grew up in the Augusta, Georgia, area. Plunkett remembers the front of the sports page often detailing Belcher's state championships at Greenbrier High School and later his national titles in 2010 and 2011 at South Carolina. As impressive as Belcher's resume is, Plunkett said his character is even stronger.

"He's grounded. He's focused, and he's all in on building a culture that develops student-athletes on and off the field. This hire isn't just about baseball," Plunkett said. "It's part of a broader commitment to build the most competitive, value-added Division II athletics programs in the country, full stop. Coach Belcher is going to play a key role in that journey, and I'm thrilled he's joining us in Dahlonega."