Bethel’s Chris Nelson Named 2025-26 Coach of the Year
MCKENZIE, Tenn. –Longtime Bethel Women's Basketball Coach Chris Nelson was named the 2025-26 Bethel Coach of the Year Tuesday night at the 2026 Undergraduate Academic Ceremony.
Coach Nelson was presented the award by Bethel Vice President of Athletics Derek Horne.
Horne commented, "We are extremely proud to present this award to Coach Nelson. He has done a terrific job this year. Our team was talented and fun to watch. They displayed great sportsmanship and have done well not only on the field but in the classroom." Horne added, "Making the national championships again is quite impressive and a testament to the legacy of the program he has built and maintained here at Bethel."
Coach Nelson just completed his 20th season as head coach of the Lady Wildcats and has a career mark of 431-215. During Coach Chris Nelson's tenure as head coach, Bethel has qualified for 14 NAIA national tournaments (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 2022, 2025, and 2026).
After an NAIA Fab Four finish last year, the Lady Wildcats advanced to the Final Eight this past season. They were the regular season co-champions of the Mid-South Conference and finished 28-6 on the season.
Bethel had three players named NAIA All-Americans. Micah Hart along with being named the MSC Player of the Year was named 1st Team All-American. She was joined by Mikee Buchanan on the first team. Madison Hart was named third team All-American.
Photo by Joel Washburn