by Anna Pinson | Mar 27, 2026
For Immediate Release
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College proudly announces that Katie Bryan, head coach of the Welch College Lady Flames basketball team, has been named the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II National Coach of the Year. The honor recognizes Bryan’s outstanding leadership during a historic season for Welch College women’s basketball.
Bryan, who has served as head coach of the Lady Flames for 12 years, led the team to a record-breaking season highlighted by winning the program’s Regional Championship. Her leadership has helped elevate the women’s basketball program and establish the Lady Flames as a competitive force within the division.
Under Bryan’s direction, the Lady Flames have emphasized not only athletic excellence but also the Christian character and development of student-athletes. The program’s recent success reflects years of dedication to building a culture of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Bryan is a graduate of Welch College, earning an associate’s degree in biology in 2012 before completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Belmont University in 2014.
Her passion for basketball began at a young age through middle school and high school competition and continued into her collegiate years. Bryan later served alongside her father in coaching before eventually taking the helm of the Lady Flames program.
Karilyn Wieting also received the honor of First Team All-American for the NCCAA Division II. These prestigious acknowledgements further cement a historic season for the Welch College Lady Flames.
To inquire about participating in Welch athletics, email recruit@welch.edu.
Photo Credit: Joao Boent
by Anna Pinson | Jan 13, 2025
GALLATIN, TN—Welch College will restart its men’s and women’s intercollegiate soccer programs and men’s golf program, according to Athletic Director Greg Fawbush. Welch paused both programs following the COVID pandemic owing to recruiting restrictions at that time and will bring all three teams back in the fall semester of 2025.
“We are excited to restart these three programs after four years of stabilizing our athletic department following the pandemic,” Fawbush said. “Having the ability to field both soccer and golf programs will increase opportunities for Welch students and the students in our community.”
The restart of the soccer programs is made possible by a large donation from a generous donor, as well as significant gifts from the Free Will Baptist Foundation and funding from the Alumni Project of the Welch College Alumni Association. These gifts will make possible the construction of a soccer field on the Welch campus as well as other associated costs. “We encourage friends and alumni to give to help fund the restart of these teams,” Fawbush said. “Those who want to help can give by visiting welch.edu/give.”
“We’re planning to begin construction on the new field immediately in hopes that it will be finished by the fall of this year,” Fawbush continued. “The generous donation will also allow us to restart the golf program, which is a growing sport in our community.”
Students or prospective students interested in men’s or women’s soccer or men’s golf may contact Coach Fawbush at gfawbush@welch.edu for more information.
by Anna Pinson | 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 Anna Pinson | 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 Anna Pinson | 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 Anna Pinson | 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.”
