by jowens | Mar 17, 2021
Greg Fawbush, Athletic Director at Welch College, announced an upcoming transition in the women’s soccer program. Leslie Nichols, who has served as head coach since inception of the soccer program in 2018, will become the soccer coordinator for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Dr. Jon Wilson will become the head coach for both the men’sand women’s programs. In her new role, Coach Nichols will oversee the spiritual growth program of the women’s soccer team, serve as assistant coach for the women’s soccer program,and handle day-to-day operations for both teams.
“Coach Nichols has done a tremendous job the past three years with the startup of the women’s soccer program” Fawbush said. “Leslie recently accepted a new position as College Missions Coordinatorwith IM, Inc. Thus the timing for this transition is perfect for everyone in the programs. Coach Wilson will bring years of experience and knowledge to the women’s soccer program.”
Those interested in learning more about intercollegiate soccer at Welch College are invited to contact Jon Wilson (jwilson@welch.edu), Greg Fawbush (gfawbush@welch.edu), or Leslie Nichols (lnichols@welch.edu).
by jowens | Aug 6, 2020
Welch College has announced an adjustment to the athletic department for 2020-2021, according to Greg Fawbush, Welch Athletic Director. “College athletics has been deeply affected by COVID-19,” Fawbush said, “and Welch is having to make changes to accommodate the global pandemic.”
Among the changes Fawbush outlined, women’s volleyball will play a hybrid season, eleven games in the fall starting September 28 and ending November 7, followed by ten more games during March and April of 2021, for a total of twenty-one matches over the course of the year. Men’s and women’s soccer will play in the spring of 2021 for this season only. Cross country’s schedule will remain in the fall. Fawbush stated that he expects men’s and women’s basketball teams to play their games starting in November and ending in late February.
Fawbush said, “Several factors contributed to these difficult decisions, including the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases through the south’s geographical footprint, the safety of student-athletes, and the inability to maintain a full schedule due to cancellations.” He went on to add, “By carefully realigning when our teams play, we can better realize our overall goal of keeping our athletes healthy while also still participating in athletic competition.”
For more information on athletics at Welch, email Coach Fawbush at gfawbush@welch.edu.
by jowens | Apr 2, 2020
Emma Guthrie has been named interim head volleyball coach for Welch College for the 2020 volleyball season, according to Athletic Director Greg Fawbush. Guthrie will graduate from Welch in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. A four-year starter for the Lady Flames, Emma was recognized as an all-regional player the past three years.
“Emma is a logical choice to lead the Lady Flames next season,” Fawbush said. “As a student athlete, she demonstrated her desire to experience both spiritual and emotional growth. As the Welch community navigates the unprecedented circumstances of completing the spring semester remotely and the ensuing limitations created for our Christian community of faith and learning, Emma’s understanding of the culture of Welch College’s athletic department will be an invaluable asset.”
Coach Fawbush will continue managing volleyball duties until Guthrie transitions into the role beginning June 1. For information about volleyball or other athletics at Welch, email Coach Fawbush at gfawbush@welch.edu.
by jowens | Nov 22, 2019
Athletic Director Greg Fawbush announced that Abigail Warren has resigned as volleyball coach for Welch College. A former student at Welch, Coach Warren led the Lady Flame for the past two seasons. She is also an elementary physical education teacher for Davidson County. Time commitment to her teaching responsibilities is the reason for her resignation.
The FlamesVolleyball program showed great improvement under Coach Warren’s leadership. She used her platform to help build Welch’s volleyball program into a competitive program in the NCCAA Mideast. The Lady Flamesvolleyball teams finished both seasons with a winning record under her leadership. She produced several all-regional players and help lead the program to several historic wins.
“Coach Warren was a constant mentor to the young ladies in the volleyball program, stated Coach Fawbush. “She challenged them physically, academically, and, most importantly, spiritually. Coach Warren demonstrated how winning can be accomplished by applying a work ethic that does not compromise on integrity.”
by jowens | Mar 28, 2019
Welch College Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Greg Fawbush will be inducted into the National Athletic Association of Private Schools Hall of Fame on March 29, according to Welch President Matt Pinson.
“We’re very proud of Coach Fawbush achieving this honor,” Pinson said. “The Hall of Fame is for private school coaches, players, and athletic directors who help build and advance the cause of private schools.”
Fawbush coached at Seffner Christian Academy in Florida for 22 years before coming to work at Welch in 2017. On January 26, 2019, Fawbush achieved his 400th win at the Welch vs. Georgia Northwestern Tech game (104-71). Since his start at Welch, Fawbush has added soccer (men’s and women’s) to the college sports program and has led the school to rejoin regional play in NCCAA Division II.
For more information on Welch College athletics, go to welch.edu/athletics.
by jowens | Jun 20, 2018
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College men’s basketball team has agreed to play Presbyterian College next season according to Greg Fawbush, Athletic Director and head men’s basketball coach. This will be the first time in the history of the college that a Welch athletic team will play an NCAA Division I team. The game will be played on the campus of Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, at 7:00 p.m. on November 12.
Welch College is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association division II and primarily plays NAIA and NCAA III colleges for out-of-conference games. Presbyterian College is a member of the Big South Conference and plays some of the top teams in the nation. “Our student-athletes work hard, and this gives them an opportunity to showcase their God given talents,” Coach Fawbush said. “We hope this opportunity not only gives us the chance to display our testimonies through competition but also demonstrates the uniqueness of Welch College.”
