Director of Athletics inducted into her alma mater’s Hall of Fame

Posted June 10, 2016Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Director of Athletics Amy Schafer was recently named a member of the Bethany College Athletic Hall of Fame.

A four-year starter for the Bison softball program at catcher, Schafer helped Bethany win four consecutive Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) championships. During her career, the program tallied 118 wins. Schafer struck out just 10 times in 413 career at-bats and finished her career with a .380 batting average, which currently ranks fourth on Bethany’s all-time list. Schafer was honored as a member of National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Academic Team in 2002 and was named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll in 2001 and 2002. In 2015, she was named to the PAC 60th Anniversary Softball Team.

“I am extremely humbled to receive this honor,” Schafer said. “My time at Bethany College as a student-athlete provided me with opportunities to develop my coaching and leadership skills, which helped me reach my current position. My experiences as a student-athlete and coach helped me to identify with the philosophies of Division III, the mission of Thiel College and the needs of current Thiel College student-athletes.”

Schafer began her tenure at Thiel in 2005 as head softball coach. Under her direction, the Tomcats combined for 127 wins and appeared in two PAC Championship Tournaments. Forty Tomcats earned All-PAC selections and multiple players earned NFCA All-Region honors under Schafer’s tutelage. Schafer became the College’s Director of Athletics in January 2016, and she continues to serve as the senior woman administrator.

Schafer graduated from Bethany College in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. She earned a master’s degree in sport management studies from California University (Pa.) in 2009.

Schafer’s twin sister, Rachael, and Thiel’s current head softball coach, Lori Schimmel, are also members of the Bethany College Hall of Fame.

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About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.



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