Lightfoot Lands Versatile Forward from Valparaiso
MISHAWAKA, Ind. – Bethel College men’s basketball head coach Ryne Lightfoot is pleased to announce that Nathan Aerts has signed his national letter of intent to play for the Pilots in 2019-20. Aerts, a 6-6 forward, preps at Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso, Indiana.
“Nate is a great addition to our 2019 recruiting class. He is a high character kid with a high basketball IQ,” stated Lightfoot. “Nate’s versatility makes him tough to guard and will make him an immediate impact player on our roster next year.”
Nathan, son of Robert and Michelle Aerts, was named First Team DAC All-Conference, First Team All-Area, and earned All-State Honorable Mention. He was also named to the IBCA Top 100 and was a Michiana McDonald’s All-Star. Last season, Aerts averaged 14 points and nearly 4 rebounds per game for the Sectional champion Valparaiso Vikings and is coached by former Pilot Barak Coolman.
“There were many reasons by I decided to choose Bethel,” described Aerts, “from a great coaching staff who are committed to pursuing excellence in everything that they do, to a program that continues to have great results year in and year out. I’m excited to play in an area that I have always enjoyed being in and hope to have great success.”
Nathan is a member of the National Honor Society and plans to study Nursing at Bethel.
“Nate is the total package,” Lightfoot continued. “He has size, a great skill set both on the perimeter and post, and is a great student as well. Not only will he be a great addition to our team but a great addition to our campus and nursing program. Big things to come for Nate. He is just scratching the of how good he can really be.”