The 2025 season marked Nathan Caldwell’s second year as VMI’s defensive coordinator under head coach James Purpura.
In 2025, the Keydets posted their best season in nearly four decades with a program-record 10 Division I wins. Caldwell led a defense that allowed the fewest goals in 25 years, ranking 16th nationally in scoring defense, 17th in extra-man defense, and first in clearing percentage. His unit featured Second Team All-NEC defenseman RJ Wyrick, NEC All-Rookie LSM Zac Creel, and USILA Senior All-Star goalie Damian Levin.
In 2024, Caldwell helped VMI improve its goals-against average by 1.7 goals per game, producing the program’s best defensive season in over a decade. VMI earned seven Division I wins—tying the school record—and finished 21st nationally in caused turnovers per game. Defenseman James Boynewicz ranked 14th nationally in that category. Under Caldwell, LSM Alex Baber earned Second Team All-MAAC honors, and defender Luke McDonald was selected to the USILA Senior All-Star Game.
Before VMI, Caldwell was the defensive coordinator at SUNY Cortland in 2023. His unit allowed just 9.78 goals per game while facing one of Division III’s toughest schedules. Cortland reached the SUNYAC title game and peaked at No. 14 in the USILA national poll. He coached 10 All-Conference players and three USILA All-Americans.
Caldwell previously served at Detroit Mercy in 2022, working with the goalies, face-off unit, and defensive scouting.
As a player, Caldwell was a three-year captain and starting close defenseman at Lincoln Memorial University, where he caused 40 turnovers, collected 88 ground balls, and earned the Abe’s Excellence Award for leadership and performance.
A native of Utica, Michigan, he holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science (2019) and a master’s in sport management (2021), both from Lincoln Memorial.
