Rod Radcliffe enters his ninth year as head coach of the Bethel University softball team. Coach Radcliffe has 33 years coaching experience, compiling an overall record of 152-165-2—including an 86-79 (52-36 MIAC) record over the past four seasons. In the last nine years, Radcliffe has produced the most wins by any coach at Bethel, including a 24-win season in 2011. Radcliffe has taken the Royals to the postseason in two of the last four years, with three consecutive 14-8 records coming in conference play.
Radcliffe has also been instrumental in a number of team and individual statistical records, as he has coached the Royals to the highest batting average in a season, the most hits in a season, the most home runs in a season, and the best team ERA in a season. Additionally, Radcliffe has tutored eight All-MIAC players, three NFCA all-region players, and one all-region academic.
In addition, Radcliffe contributed to the efforts of adding a junior varsity team in 2007, which continues to be a training ground for many varsity participants. While not coaching softball, Radcliffe is also the supervisor of the Sports and Recreation Center as well as the Ona Orth Complex on campus.
Beyond being exceptional on the field, Radcliffe also believes in the importance of having a Christ-centered focus both on and off the field. His goals as the head coach are to improve the team’s performance, while bringing hope, direction, and leadership to each individual athlete.
Rod and his wife, Julie, live in Blaine and have three children, Adam, Tyler, and Koby.
Assistant Coach: Brian Tilton
Tilton is entering his first year with the Royals and is excited for the opportunity to work with the team. Tilton brings over 30 years playing experience and 18 years of coaching to Bethel's softball squad. When not coaching, Tilton is the owner of Precision Sports Inc. based out of Forest Lake, Minn., where he trains softball and baseball players on all aspects of the game.
Brian and his wife, Cathy, reside in Forest Lake with their kids, Kalynn and Travis.
Assistant Coach: Emily Evans
Despite beginning her first year as the pitching coach, Emily Evans will be entering her fifth year as part of the Bethel University softball staff. Previously the hitting coach for four years, the UW-River Falls graduate is also a Physical Education teacher at Concordia Creative Learning Academy. In college, Evans was an All-Conference player for the Falcons, while finishing her career with a .313 batting average. Evans also led her team in home runs and runs batted in her junior and senior season, respectively.
Assistant Coach: Molly Trombley
Trombley enters her fifth season as an assistant for the Bethel University softball program after two years playing for the Royals. The two-time All-MIAC award winner played 77 games for BU, finishing her career with a .340 batting average--10 doubles, a triple, two home runs, 30 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. The 2009 graduate was also exceptional behind the plate defensively, committing just one error and recording a fielding percentage of .997.
Trombley graduated from Bethel with a degree in Environmental Science and now works for US Geological Survey as a Hydrologic Technician and coaches for GTeam snowboarding. In addition, Trombley is completing her diploma in Personal Training and Nutrition.
Assistant Coach: Lisa Kepple
Lisa Kepple, originally from Princeton, Minn., played four years at Bethel while completing her bachelors degree in Health and Physical Education and a Developmentally Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) license. Kepple is in her second year teaching Physical Education and Health at Cottage Grove Middle School and Lake Middle School in Woodbury.
In addition to her teaching, Kepple is the assistant varsity girls swim coach at Ironadale High School and the 9th grade girls basketball coach at Park High School in Cottage Grove.
Kepple and her husband, Dave, currently live in Maplewood, Minn. She notes, "I am very blessed to be a part of this coaching staff and softball team and am grateful for the new experiences the Lord provides, along with a husband that is very supportive."
Volunteer Assistant Coach: Koby Radcliffe
Koby enters his first year as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bethel University softball program. Radcliffe is a 2011 graduate of Bethel University and is currently enrolled at Bethel Seminary. Radcliffe has been a special assistant for the past three seasons and is excited to take on a new role, by helping the junior varsity team and training all athletes in every day workouts.
