BURNSVILLE, Minn.  – Minnesota State University, Mankato's Nathan Culley was voted by the league coaches as the NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year in baseball. A native of Andover, Minnesota, Culley is majoring in business management and holds a 3.91 cumulative grade point average. 

The "NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year Award" is presented to a NSIC Baseball student-athlete who participates at their institution for four years and is academically superior while making a positive contribution to their team and the University. The NSIC Outstanding Senior of the Year award was initiated in 2020-21 to honor an outstanding senior that exemplifies the attributes of the model NSIC student-athlete.

In the classroom, Culley is an three-time NSIC Academic Team of Excellence member and was also named to the College Sports Communicators All-District Team last season. 

Culley, who was named NSIC Pitcher of the Year and All-NSIC First Team this season, led the NSIC with a 2.45 ERA and allowed just 19 runs across 66 innings pitched, the second-highest total in the conference. He also led the NSIC in strikeouts with 84, placing him 28th in NCAA Division II. Culley went a perfect 11-0 on the mound, setting a new NSIC single-season wins record at 9-0. He threw three complete games and delivered standout performances, including an 11-strikeout outing against Northern State on Feb. 24 and a nine-inning gem versus Grand Valley State on March 8, where he allowed just one earned run with eight strikeouts.

When not on the field or in the classroom, Culley has been an active volunteer for several community organizations including Rake The Town, Kiwanis Holiday Lights, Trick or Treat with the Mavs, Coaching MSU Youth Fall Baseball League, and reading to local elementary students.

"Nathan is a gifted and dedicated athlete, he has not only excelled on the field but also demonstrated incredible resilience in overcoming a major injury—coming back stronger and more determined than ever. Off the field, Nathan leads with the same strength of character, volunteering with Rake the Town, coaching youth baseball, and bringing happiness to others through Kiwanis Holiday Lights and Trick or Treat with the Mavs. His commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and service sets him apart as a truly outstanding student-athlete," said Head Coach Matt Magers.