Nate Oats, head coach of the Alabama men’s basketball team, and his wife Crystal have been married for nearly 30 years and have three daughters, Lexie, Jocie, and Brielle. In October 2015, their lives were turned upside down when Crystal was diagnosed with double-hit lymphoma, a aggressive form of cancer. Nate was devastated and fearful of losing his wife, but they faced the battle together as a family.
Nate and Crystal got married in 1997 as Nate was beginning his coaching career as an assistant at Maranatha Baptist University in Wisconsin. Over the years, they moved around for Nate’s coaching opportunities, eventually settling in Michigan where Nate was the head coach at Romulus High School for 11 seasons. They welcomed their three daughters, Lexie, Jocie, and Brielle, over the years, forming a close-knit family unit.
In October 2015, Crystal received her cancer diagnosis, which was a devastating blow to the family. Nate shared updates and moments from their journey on social media, including celebrating their anniversary while Crystal was undergoing chemotherapy. Crystal eventually underwent a successful stem cell transplant in April 2016, with Nate sharing positive news about her health and ongoing follow-up tests to monitor her progress.
The Oats family continued to celebrate milestones and special moments, such as birthdays and other family events, throughout Crystal’s battle with cancer. After recovering from her illness, Crystal and Nate have been able to enjoy more time with their daughters, with Lexie now attending the University of Alabama. The family has shared joyful moments, like celebrating Lexie’s enrollment at the university and Jocie’s 13th birthday, while also reflecting on their journey and expressing love and pride for each other.
As of May 2024, Nate shared a photo from Alabama’s run to the Final Four in 2024 to celebrate Jocie’s birthday, highlighting her growth and accomplishments. The family has shown resilience and strength throughout their challenges, coming together to support each other through the highs and lows of life. Through it all, Nate and Crystal’s love for each other and for their daughters has remained strong, creating a foundation of love and support that has carried them through difficult times. Their story serves as a testament to the power of love and family in overcoming adversity and cherishing the moments of joy and togetherness.
