Biola Head Women’s Basketball Coach Dr. Bethany Miller will transition roles within the athletic department this summer, necessitating her stepping down as head women’s basketball coach.

Miller, who has been at Biola since she was a student-athlete during her undergraduate career from 1999-2003, will assume the new role of Associate Athletic Director to aid in Biola’s application and transition process from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.

“Bethany has all the leadership qualities required to be an excellent administrator,” said Athletic Director Dr. Dave Holmquist. “She has a history of excellent performance in all areas of her life. She did a great job as our women’s basketball coach, and we will certainly miss her there, but we are very excited about what she will bring to the position of Associate Athletic Director.”

Miller took over the role as head coach when Ken Crawford stepped down after the 2010-11 season. She led the Eagles to a 64-60 overall record in her four seasons at the helm, including leading her 2011-12 team to the NAIA Tournament Quarterfinals, which is the deepest run in Biola Women’s Basketball program history. In addition to her coaching duties Miller was one of two Assistant Athletic Directors on staff for the previous four years.

Relinquishing coaching duties and stepping away from her team was a very difficult decision for Miller, but it allows her to serve the athletic department in a brand new way as she spearheads the transition into a brand new era of intercollegiate athletic competition.

“It’s been a difficult decision to step aside from coaching.,” said Miller. “I have a deep affection for the young women that have made an impact in the Biola Women’s basketball program through the years, as well as for this particular 2015-16 team. It has been a privilege to serve as a coach, and have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with the girls- it has been a wonderful and amazing journey, and God has taught me so much through it!”

This change is one of two within the Eagles’ athletic administration to take place this summer. Along with Miller’s new role comes the creation of a NCAA Compliance Officer. The two will work alongside each other to ensure Biola is following every necessary step to ensure a successful affiliation transition process. 

The transition from the NAIA to the NCAA is an exhaustive process that involves staff members and departments from all over Biola’s campus, and it will be the responsibility of Miller and the eventual Compliance Officer to manage the efforts of all involved over the next year. If the Eagles’ application process is successful Biola will be notified in summer of 2016 and will begin play in the NCAA Division II in 2017-18.

“It is a very exciting time for the Biola Athletic department as we jump into the NCAA transition process,” said Miller. “Our staff is a great team of strong Christian men and women who love our athletes and the mission of Biola.  I am also looking forward to working alongside the staff in Financial Aid, Registrar and Admissions as we complete the application for NCAA.”

The search for a new head women’s basketball coach is currently underway.