Ottumwa -- Nate Schmidt, an assistant on Hank Plona's IHCC basketball coaching staff for the past two years, has taken a new job.  Schmidt, who came to Indian Hills prior to the 2017-18 season and helped lead the Warriors to a record of 60-8 and two national tournament appearances, will be working as a personal trainer for NBA and other basketball players, starting this summer in the western United States.

"I was very fortunate to learn under one of the top juco coaches in the country," Schmidt said about his time at Indian Hills.  "I can't thank coach Plona enough for giving me the opportunity to work at Indian Hills and help me improve every day as a coach and as a person.  Indian Hills is a special place, with amazing people, not just in athletics but all across the campus.  The relationship I was able to build with the players, the athletic staff and the faculty will always be cherished.  I wish nothing but the best for Indian Hills and Warrior Nation!"

Plona said while he is sad to see Schmidt depart "he has an opportunity to do something he is very passionate about.  I am excited for Nate's future and the endless possibilities that are in store for him."  He added, "Nate was an integral part of two outstanding teams here at Indian Hills.  The time he spent on the court helping our players get better and off the court as a mentor helped each and every player grow as a person and he prepared each one to succeed at a very high level."

Schmidt came to IHCC from Gulf Coast State College in Florida where he was an assistant coach.  He spent three seasons with the Iowa State University basketball program, the final one as Coordinator of Player Development under head coach Steve Prohm.