Mike Trader ’74 retired as Associate Vice President – Athletic Development for the Hastings College Foundation effective January 2025. He joined the Foundation in 2002 after serving 16 years as head men’s basketball coach for Hastings College.
As the lead fundraiser for athletics, Mike was instrumental in growing the Tom McLaughlin Scholarship Program, which has awarded hundreds of scholarships to difference makers in men’s and women’s sports. He engaged with local businesses and former athletes to build robust support for Bronco athletic programs and facilities. Mike also raised significant funds for college capital campaigns and the endowment from alumni and friends nationwide.
“As I step into retirement, I want to thank the many alumni, friends, and businesses who share my love for Hastings College and choose to support it financially,” Mike said. “It has been an honor to work alongside you in building resources for current and future students. I am deeply grateful for all that you’ve done and continue to do for Hastings College.”
A standout player on the Bronco basketball team, Mike graduated from Hastings College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in 7-12 grade social science education and in 1993 with a master of arts in teaching degree in physical education. As head basketball coach at Hastings College from 1986 to 2002, Mike was honored as district or conference coach of the year five times and as the Omaha World Herald’s State College Coach of the Year. He was named to the Hastings College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991, 1997, 2019, and 2023 as a coach, player, and team member.
Other coaching experiences include positions at Omaha Northwest, Omaha Bryan, Hastings High, and Hastings St. Cecilia. This summer will be the 40th year of his statewide Mid-America Basketball Camps for boys and girls.
Mike and his wife, Kris, are the parents of two Hastings College graduates, Pat Trader ’03 of Yutan, Nebraska, and Michelle Stanley ’01 of Danville, Indiana, and sons Brian Trader of Omaha, Nebraska, and Eric Trader of Jersey City, New Jersey.
