Kirkwood Names Nate Oakland Head Women’s Basketball Coach

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Kirkwood Community College has announced the hiring of Nate Oakland as the next head coach of its women's basketball program, bringing a highly accomplished and experienced leader to one of the premier programs in junior college athletics.

Oakland, a 21-year collegiate coaching veteran, joins Kirkwood after completing his fourth season on the staff at the University of Northern Iowa, where he served as an assistant coach under Tanya Warren. His time at UNI marked his second stint with the Panthers, having previously coached there from 2006–2009.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to be named the next Head Women's Basketball Coach at Kirkwood Community College," said Oakland. "Thank you to Dr. Kristie Fisher and to Todd Rima for believing in me. My family and I could not be more excited. I aim to build upon and continue the amazing legacy of Hall of Famer Coach Kim Muhl and will work relentlessly to do so. I cannot wait to get to work and compete for our next championship. Go Eagles!"

Prior to returning to UNI, Oakland served as the head women's basketball coach at Upper Iowa University for three seasons. During his tenure, he guided the Peacocks to steady improvement each year, more than doubling the team's win total by his third season. He also recruited and developed multiple NSIC All-Freshman Team selections, including future First Team All-NSIC performer Lydia Haack.

Oakland's coaching résumé also includes time as an assistant coach at North Dakota State University, along with multiple successful stints at Coe College. While serving as head coach at Coe, he led the Kohawks to 27 wins and a Final Four appearance in the IIAC Tournament in 2017, coaching three All-IIAC First Team selections. His earlier coaching stops include Wartburg College and the University of Minnesota Morris, where he also gained experience coaching tennis and golf programs.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Oakland brings extensive experience in the classroom, having taught courses in sport management, sports psychology, kinesiology, and coaching theory. His commitment to developing student-athletes both academically and athletically aligns closely with Kirkwood's mission.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Nate Oakland, his wife, Alex, and their family into our Kirkwood community," said Kirkwood Director of Athletics Todd Rima. "His commitment to excellence, both on the court and in the classroom, aligns perfectly with our mission. I look forward to working with Coach Nate to continue the championship success in our women's basketball program."

A native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Oakland is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees in sports psychology. He and his wife, former UNI women's basketball Hall of Famer Alex Cook-Oakland, have five children: Jordann, Quinncy, Eli, Kaiden, and Maddox.

With a proven track record of success, player development, and program building, Oakland is poised to lead Kirkwood women's basketball into its next chapter while honoring the 9-time championship tradition established by Hall of Fame coach Kim Muhl.