Bethany Miller (‘03) became the assistant coach for 51ÂÜÀò’s women’s basketball team only a year after graduating. Since accepting the position of head coach in the summer of 2011, she has seen the team through times of perseverance and dedication. In elementary school, Miller discovered her love for the sport and it is this love that will keep 51ÂÜÀò’s team playing into the next year.

Miller graduated from 51ÂÜÀò in 2003 with a bachelor of science in physical education and pre-physical therapy. As the assistant coach, she also worked as a full-time physical therapist outside of 51ÂÜÀò, in addition to earning a doctorate in physical therapy with ACL injury prevention as her area of research.  Now, Miller coaches basketball full time, as Head Coach and Assistant Athletic Director. As the 2012-1013 season is already over, Miller is already getting to know her athletes for the next season.

Describe your college experience and what led you to want to work with college-aged players. ÌýÌý

As an undergraduate, 51ÂÜÀò was a place that I learned to thrive. I loved the challenge of competing as a collegiate athlete, had strong professors who prepared me to excel in my graduate studies, and was mentored by faculty, Residen Directors, and many others that showed me what it looks like to walk daily with God.  I had great opportunities to do missions work overseas each summer, with my favorite experience being an Athletes in Action trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. It was here that my passion began for working with Christian athletes in a mentoring and discipling role through competition.

What was your transition like between school and coaching? 

The transition felt natural for me as I had been a captain on the team my junior and senior seasons, and was thankful to have great relationships with the girls that I had played with. I enjoyed spending time training and developing the girls on the team to reach their full potential. I often trained with the girls from the team and individual strength and conditioning sessions and open gyms.

Who inspires you?

My players inspire me. They are so beautifully gifted and unique, love the game and each other, and work so diligently to grow as athletes, students, and faithful followers of Christ.  I learn from them as they share with me their stories about who they are, what motivates them, and how they want to serve their teammates.

Despite a season of injuries, how did you keep the team's spirits up?

This year we learned perseverance, and focused on becoming people who face trials with joy in order to learn and grow in character.  Every day is a new day to do our best and be open to how God is working in our lives.

What are your plans for the next season?

We are currently preparing for next season with individualized off-season strength and conditioning programs, and working with the girls in setting objective, measurable goals to accomplish this spring and summer. Our returning athletes are strong, focused and will be ready to compete at a high level, next year. Our three new additions to the team are talented and bright student athletes who love God and are fierce competitors.

Written by Rachel Snyder, Media Relations Intern. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at 562.777.4061 or at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.