Christian Nishimura was named the Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach at Lees-McRae on May 24, 2022 by Vice President for Athletics and Club Sports Craig McPhail. Nishimura was previously serving as an assistant coach on former coach Sean Weddell's staff since 2021. Nishimura, who graduated with his bachelor's degree in health and wellness from Lees-McRae in 2021, joined the Bobcats coaching staff after earning back-to-back Conference Carolinas titles as a student-athlete.

"I am thrilled to have Christian back with us in a coaching capacity," said Weddell. "As a recent program graduate and current school record holder in five events and several relays, he brings tremendous knowledge of our program. More importantly, his desire to return to Lees-McRae demonstrates his passion for the college and, when combined with his work ethic, the program could not ask for more in progressing to better achievements. Welcome back Christian!"
 
During his time as a student-athlete at Lees-McRae, Nishimura was a two-time Conference Carolinas Champion in the 400 IM and garnered all-conference honors in both the 200 fly and 200 IM during his senior year. His leadership in the pool for the Bobcats also translated to in the classroom as he garnered the prestigious President Honor Roll status for both semesters of his senior year.

Nishimura joined the Bobcats in the 2019-20 season after competing for Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Florida for two years. In addition to being a part of the 44th and 45th NJCAA championship teams, Nishimura obtained his associate's degree in arts.