BisonAthletics
Quick facts
Location Bethany, W.Va.
Enrollment 600
Founded 1840
Colors Green, White, Vegas Gold
Nickname Bison
Mascot Boomer
Conference Presidents’ Athletic Conference
VP for Enrollment & Athletics Brian Sansom
Interim Athletic Director Jen Windmiller
National Championships 1 (1994 Men’s Soccer)
PAC Championships 100+
NCAA Tournament Appearances 70+
ECAC Championship Appearances 50+
intercollegiate sports
MEN’S SPORTS
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming & Diving
Track & Field
Volleyball
CO-ED CLUB TEAM
Equestrian
WOMEN’S SPORTS
Acrobatics & Tumbling
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming & Diving
Track & Field
Volleyball
Wrestling
Discover
the Winning Spirit at Bethany College!
At Bethany College, our 23 intercollegiate teams proudly compete at the NCAA Division III level, far exceeding the minimum team requirement for Division III Institutions. Our rich tradition of athletic excellence means our Bison aren’t just playing for conference championships—they’re striving for postseason success as well.
Bethany’s athletic programs are part of the esteemed Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), where our student-athletes face off against top liberal arts colleges in the region. Among our respected rivals are Allegheny, Chatham, Geneva, Grove City, Saint Vincent, Thiel, Washington & Jefferson, Waynesburg, Franciscan, Hiram, and Westminster.
Whether on the field, court, or track, Bethany Bison athletes embody the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork that define our college community. Join us, and be part of a legacy of champions!
Shaping Student-Athletes for Success
At Bethany College, our student-athletes compete at the NCAA Division III level, where opportunities abound for firstyear students to make an impact. With a history of athletic achievements that includes the 1994 NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer National Championship, over 100 PAC championships, 70+ NCAA Tournament appearances, and more than 50 ECAC Championship appearances, Bethany’s legacy of success speaks for itself.
But at Bethany, our athletes aren’t just champions on the field—they’re also leaders in the classroom. Numerous Bison
teams have been recognized nationally for academic excellence, often earning the highest team GPA among Division III schools. Over 1,490 student-athletes have been named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll, and 16 have achieved the prestigious title of Academic All-American. Additionally, three of our female athletes have been honored as the NCAA West Virginia Woman of the Year.
At Bethany College, we believe in fostering both athletic and academic success. Join us, and become part of a tradition that prioritizes excellence in every aspect of student life.
New sports
Acrobatics & Tumbling
Bethany College’s acrobatics & tumbling team showcases the perfect fusion of athleticism, artistry, and discipline. Debuting in the 202425 season, this sport combines the thrilling stunts of competitive cheerleading with the elegance and precision of gymnastics. Our athletes demonstrate their exceptional skills through powerful tumbling routines, stunning lifts, and gravity-defying pyramids, captivating audiences with their artistry and athletic prowess.
Women’s Wrestling
The introduction of women’s wrestling to Bethany College’s athletic lineup in the 2024-25 season underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering diversity in sports. This groundbreaking addition reflects our dedication to empowering female athletes and providing them with the opportunity to excel on the mat. Bethany continues to break new ground by creating spaces for all athletes to pursue their passion.
Men’s Volleyball
Bethany College is proud to usher in a new chapter in Bison athletics with the launch of our men’s volleyball program. Introduced for the 2023-24 season, this team exemplifies excellence both on the court and in the classroom, setting a high bar for achievement in both arenas. As men’s volleyball continues to rise in popularity, we are excited to offer this dynamic sport to our campus community and welcome a new wave of champions.
Ride. Compete. Thrive.
Bethany College’s Equestrian Team offers a unique and enriching experience for students who share a passion for riding and competition. Nestled amidst the serene setting of Oglebay Stables, our equestrian program provides an ideal environment for riders to grow both in skill and character. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or new to the sport, our program welcomes all levels of experience, fostering a supportive and inclusive community that encourages each rider to achieve their personal best.
Competitively, Bethany’s equestrian program fields two highly active club teams that are proud members of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Our teams compete within Zone 2 Regional, giving riders the opportunity to test their skills against other colleges and universities in a challenging yet rewarding environment. No matter your experience level, you’ll find a place to compete and grow with our team.
At Bethany, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the show ring. Our equestrian program not only hones competitive skills but also emphasizes leadership, sportsmanship, and academic achievement. Our riders balance their athletic pursuits with rigorous coursework, preparing them for success in their future careers and lives. Whether you’re interested in riding for competition or personal fulfillment, Bethany College provides the resources, support, and opportunities to help you succeed.
Join us at Bethany College, where the bonds formed in the saddle lead to lifelong friendships and the pursuit of excellence defines our approach to both academics and athletics.
You may find yourself playing football under the lights on the new Coach Don Ault Athletic Field, ringed by a synthetic all-weather track and nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, fall colors blazing, and Bison fans cheering.
Or maybe you’ll compete at Hoag Field, one of the most beautiful and historic soccer venues in the nation.
Our softball field offers similar far-reaching views of campus where you’ll compete in the tradition of a team that has won the league’s best 13 conference championships and reached the NCAA Division III World Series.
Perhaps you’ll complete the 200-yard breaststroke against a conference rival at the Knight Natatorium’s Olympic-sized pool in the multipurpose Thomas Phillips Johnson Recreation Center.
Our recently renovated Joe Kurey Memorial Court inside Hummel Field House, which hosts our volleyball and basketball teams, brings an electric home-court advantage over our conference rivals.
Whatever your sport, you’ll be competing at Bethany- you’ll challenge yourself and your teammates. You’ll be a part of the tight-knit Bison family. You’ll be part of a campus happening, with the student body and community coming out to support the Green and White.
