Bio

The 2023-24 season is Steve Hiatt's 13th at the helm of Cal Maritime's rugby program.

The Keelhaulers reached the Elite 8 of the National Small College Rugby Organizations National Tournament in 2019, finished 4th in the NSCRO's National Rankings, and were 3-1 when the 2020 season was halted due to COVID-19. 

The previous season saw Cal Maritime enjoy its fourth top-five finish within a seven-year timespan and its 10th top-15 finish in the preceding 11 years. Under Hiatt's leadership, Cal Maritime earned two national Final Four appearances (2012 & 2015) and ended the '12 season as national runners-up.

In addition to his duties at Cal Maritime, Hiatt is a key advisor for National College Rugby (formerly known as National Small College Rugby Organization), a position held since the start of the 2014 season. In 2017, the organization selected him as its vice president until 2020 when he became NCR's interim director of men's rugby. In his new role, Hiatt focuses his time and efforts helping NCR teams and players enjoy the best possible collegiate athletic experience.

Before he was elevated to the position of head coach in 2010, Hiatt spent the previous two years as an assistant coach for Cal Maritime's Pacific Coast Conference championship teams.

Hiatt's playing career spans more that 15 years, starting with his high school rugby team, the Vacaville Blackdogs. During his senior year, the Blackdogs finished third in the national high school tournament. Upon graduation, Hiatt chose to continue his education at Cal and joined a national powerhouse program known for developing Olympic-level rugby talent.

During his career as a Golden Bear, he first joined the varsity team as a sophomore year and helped the team win a Division I national championship. During his senior season, he earned a spot on the All-America team and earned Cal's Hugh Preston Award, bestowed to a student-athletes for his inspiration and leadership. After starting his career as an inside and outside center, he became the team's fullback and wing — positions he played throughout the latter portion of his time at Cal.

After graduating with an economics degree, Hiatt continued playing rugby for the Old Blues RFC. Over the next 10 years, he won national championships with the 15s and 7s squads; in addition to his numerous Final Four national tournament appearances, he earned National Championship 7s Tournament MVP honors.

Hiatt captained the select-side Pacific Coast Grizzlies three different times, in both formats, and captured the Territorial Shield as a member of its 7s roster.

As a member of the U.S. National Team, Hiatt competed three times in the 15s format against Australia, Argentina, Canada, and played a key role in helping it qualify for the World Cup. Hiatt also earned 19 caps playing for the National 7s Team in numerous tournaments, including the Hong Kong 7s, Punte del Este 7s in Uruguay (twice), Mar de Plata 7s in Argentina, and the Japan 7s.

In 1998, Hiatt was named U.S. National Team captain for its appearance throughout the Japan 7s tournament.