NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Bethel College Director of Athletics
Tim Swartzendruber has announced the return of one of the most recognizable faces in Thresher Athletics, as
Stacy Middleton has been named the Assistant Athletic Director for Operations.
Middleton returns to Bethel after a brief time away, bringing with her more than two decades of experience and an unmatched understanding of the day-to-day operations of the athletic department. Her return reunites the Threshers with a Hall of Fame student-athlete, coach, and administrator whose impact has been felt across nearly every area of Bethel Athletics.
"I am extremely excited to welcome Stacy back as our Assistant Athletic Director of Operations," Swartzendruber said. "Stacy's loyalty to Bethel College and her dedication in our athletic department are second to none. She is a tireless worker who works well with everyone on our campus. We are fortunate to have her return to Bethel College."
"I am incredibly excited to return home to Bethel College," Middleton said. "This place has always been special to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to once again serve our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire campus community. Bethel has been such an important part of my life, and I look forward to helping continue the success and growth of our athletic department."
Middleton's connection to Bethel began as a student-athlete after arriving on a track and field scholarship in 1991. During her collegiate career, she competed in volleyball, basketball, and track & field, becoming a two-time NAIA All-American in the javelin while helping lead the volleyball program to two KCAC championships. Her accomplishments earned her induction into the Bethel College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
Following her graduation, Middleton returned to Bethel in 2007 as an assistant coach before becoming the founding head coach of the Thresher softball program in 2011. She later served as head volleyball coach and associate head softball coach before transitioning into athletic administration in 2020 as Athletic Operations Administrator. She also served as Bethel's Senior Woman Leader, overseeing numerous operational responsibilities while continuing to mentor student-athletes and support coaches across all sports.
In her role as Assistant Athletic Director for Operations, Middleton will oversee the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, including event management, scheduling, facility coordination, game administration, and other key operational initiatives that support Bethel's 20 varsity athletic programs.
Known throughout campus for her servant leadership, organizational skills, and commitment to student-athlete success, Middleton's return provides immediate experience and continuity to the department. Her deep relationships with coaches, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters, combined with her passion for Bethel College, make her uniquely suited to continue enhancing the student-athlete experience while helping the department build on its recent success.
