Bethel College (KS)

Ryan VanZant enters his first season with the Bethel College Thresher Softball program in 2026 as an assistant coach and recruiter.
Coach VanZant earned a bachelor’s degree from Butler University and later obtained his graduate degree from the University of Oklahoma, where his appreciation for softball grew while attending Sooner games with his daughters.

Coach VanZant has since spent more than 15 years coaching club fastpitch softball, working with and mentoring athletes who have gone on to play at NCAA Division I, II, and III programs, as well as at NAIA, NJCAA, and NWAC schools. He enjoys helping players develop their skills, build confidence, and find opportunities to continue playing the game at the collegiate level.

Coach VanZant resides in Salina, Kansas, with his wife and son. His two daughters play NCAA Division II softball in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, making softball a big part of the VanZant family.