Nate Frieling is the Deputy Director of Athletics at Dallas Baptist University, bringing over two decades of leadership experience in collegiate athletics operations, revenue development, and strategic growth. Now in his 24th year at DBU and 16th in administration, Frieling oversees a broad portfolio that includes baseball, men’s and women’s soccer, and cross country/track and field, while playing a central role in shaping the department’s financial and operational strategy.
A key driver of DBU Athletics’ external growth, Frieling has led and supported significant expansion in annual giving and corporate partnerships. Under his leadership, the Patriot Athletic Fund and baseball-specific Dugout Club have experienced sustained growth, contributing to the department’s long-term financial stability. He also spearheaded the launch of the Patriot Broadcasting Network in 2012, creating a new revenue-generating platform through media rights, sponsorship integration, and enhanced brand visibility.
Frieling has been instrumental in capital project development, including his role in the design, funding strategy, and execution of Horner Ballpark—one of the premier collegiate baseball facilities in the country. His work has consistently aligned donor engagement, facility enhancement, and program success to elevate DBU’s national profile.
In addition to revenue generation, Frieling has extensive experience managing high-level events and stakeholder engagement. He has directed and overseen multiple NCAA and conference championships, including the 2015 NCAA Regional and the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. These events have driven economic impact, donor cultivation, and institutional exposure. He has also planned and executed international trips for DBU student-athletes through the Global Sports Mission Initiative begun in 2007.
Early in his career, Frieling contributed to DBU Baseball’s rise to national prominence during its transition to Division I, helping build a program as assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator that produced 13 All-Americans and 35 professional players during his tenure. He spent time on staff with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, Athletes in Action, the Mineral Wells Steam of the Texas Collegiate League, and three NCAA Super Regional teams.
Frieling holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southwestern University and a Master of Science in Education from Baylor University. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at DBU.
He and his wife, Joy, live in North Richland Hills, Texas, with their three children and are members at Crown of Life Lutheran Church where he serves on the school board.
