LA MIRADA, Calif. — Biola Athletic Director Dr. Dave Holmquist announced on Friday (May 20) that former Biola player and assistant coach Bethany Miller will take over as Head Women's Basketball Coach, taking over for Ken Crawford who resigned last week. Miller becomes the 10th coach in program history.

“Bethany's history as a Biola student and veteran assistant coach make her the obvious choice to lead our women's basketball program,” said Holmquist. “She has great Christian character and excels at everything she pursues in life. She has been a big part of our success in recent years and we are excited to have her as our new head coach.”

“I am honored to be the next head coach of the Biola Women's Basketball program,” said Miller. “As a former student, player,and Admissions Counselor at Biola University, this is a very special place to me.  I am very excited to be coaching Christian student-athletes at such an excellent Christ-centered University.”

Miller is no stranger to Biola Women's Basketball, having spent the last 12 seasons involved with the program as a player or coach. She has been the lead assistant under Coach Crawford the last six seasons. Most recently, Miller helped the Eagles to three-straight NAIA Tournament appearances during one of the best three-year stretches in program history. Biola was 65-31 the last three seasons and 103-109 during her seven seasons as a Biola assistant. In her role as an assistant, Miller was instrumental in scouting and recruiting along with practice and game planning, and team conditioning. 

“Coach Crawford has influenced me tremendously through my experience as his assistant coach the last six years,” said Miller. “His coaching expertise, his leadership and team building skills have made Biola Women's Basketball what it is today. I have learned so much from him, and to say that he will be missed doesn't begin to sum up his work here at Biola.”

Miller played four seasons with the Eagles while attending Biola from 1999-2003. Miller ranks in the top 20 all-time at Biola in games started, minutes played and assists and was the captain of the team as a junior and senior. 

Miller earned a degree in Physical Education (Pre-Physical Therapy) from Biola in 2003, earning a Master's degree in Physical Therapy from Cal State Northridge in 2009. Miller just earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Montana. 

“Coach Crawford has established a tradition of success that we are looking forward to continuing in the Biola Women's Basketball program,” said Miller. “The returners and incoming freshman have been given their off season strength and conditioning program and we are excited and ready to start preparation for the 2011-2012 Women's Basketball season!”