KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chris Nelson of Bethel (Tenn.) was named the 2024-25 NAIA Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year on Monday.

Nelson turned things around for Bethel in just one year after going 13-16 overall and 0-12 in the Mid-South in 2023-24 to 2024-25, where the Wildcats finished the season with an overall record of 27-8 and 5-7 in conference. 

Nelson directed his team to its first Mid-South Conference title this season and continued the season where the Wildcats went on to secure the team's first semifinal appearance at the NAIA Championship.

Coach Nelson's 402 career victories rank him 13th in wins among active women's basketball coaches in the NAIA. He has led Bethel to 12 seasons with 20-plus wins. During Nelson's tenure as head coach, Bethel has qualified for 15 NAIA national tournaments.