ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University Director of Athletic Communications Austin Lagesse announced he is leaving his post to pursue a different professional opportunity outside of college athletics. Lagesese came to Bethel in the fall of 2018 as an assistant sports information director before being elevated to his current title in June of 2022.
 
In his seven years at Bethel, the Royals were crowned conference regular season champions 18 times, made 14 NCAA tournament appearances and saw three individual national titles in men's outdoor track and field with the 4x400-meter relay twice and Grant Nelson in the 400-meter dash. In addition, 14 Royals were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-American team.
 
With the support of men's golf head coach Nick Cocalis and athletics operations coordinator Jessica Radcliffe, Lagesse was able to expand the student workforce in the communications office, including marketing and communication assistant roles. With the addition of hiring a director of broadcasting and expanded live streaming capabilities, the student workforce grew to 30-35 students.
 
A search for Lagesse's replacement will begin immediately.