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Men’s Basketball
Coach Greg Fawbush
Mr. Greg Fawbush, accomplished coach, athletic director, and Free Will Baptist pastor, has been named Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach at Welch College, according to President Matt Pinson. Fawbush fills the vacancies left by interim Men’s Basketball Coach Donnie Stevanus, who resigned in March, and outgoing Athletic Director Gary Turner, who, in transition to retirement, will continue to teach in and administer the Exercise Science degree and associated academic programs.
Since graduating from Welch College in 1995, Fawbush has ministered in a wide range of roles within the Free Will Baptist denomination. Early in his career, Fawbush served as a youth pastor, coach, and teacher. Most recently, he has served as Director of Athletic and Coaching Services at the 700-student-strong Seffner Christian Academy in Seffner, FL, and as Pastor of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Dover, FL.
During his 21-year tenure at Seffner Christian, Fawbush served in the athletic department and taught Senior Bible. He is well-known in South Florida for his successful high school basketball coaching career, with a record of 379-135. Fawbush led his program to four state tournament appearances, including two state runner-up finishes. He has been named Coach of the Year multiple times, both in Hillsborough County and the state of Florida.
As Director of Coaching and Athletic Services, he played an instrumental role in developing Seffner Christian’s athletic program as a noted force in the state of Florida. In that role he administered 29 teams and managed 47 coaches.
“Mr. Fawbush’s exceptional service at Seffner Christian Academy and ministry in the churches display his commitment to seeing God’s work successfully done, a heart for serving others, and a love for the Free Will Baptist Church,” Pinson said.
“We’ve watched him, from an academic standpoint, receive the highest marks from his professors in Welch’s new M.A. program in theology and ministry. His record as an outstanding preacher and minister who combines Christian worldview scholarship, a 21-year athletic career, and a winning coaching record in Christian education is a great combination for our mission here at Welch.”
Fawbush stated, “I look forward to returning to my alma mater to serve Welch as Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to support Welch as a representative in Free Will Baptist churches and Christian schools—and in the college’s new community in Sumner County.”
Women’s Basketball
Meet Coach Katie Bryan
Katie Bryan, assistant women’s basketball coach, has been named head coach of the Welch College Lady Flames basketball team. Miss Bryan graduated from Welch in 2012 with an associate’s degree in Biology, then transitioned into the nursing program Welch has with Belmont University.
Katie graduated in 2014 as a registered nurse with a B.S.N. degree from Belmont. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is currently employed in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.
Coach Bryan said, “My love of basketball came at an early age from playing in middle school, high school, and as a freshman at King University in Bristol, Tennessee.” After playing at Welch, she shared coaching duties with her father, Larry Bryan, before being named head coach for the 2016-2017 season.
“I am excited to further the disciplines of the Lady Flames as basketball players, but also in their daily walk with Jesus Christ. I want to continue building a program that will represent the college and our Lord in a positive way and to attract other students to Welch,” exclaimed Bryan.
Volleyball
Coach Ashley Lockert
Ashley Lockert enters her third season as the Welch College Head Volleyball Coach. Lockert is a 2008 Welch College graduate and one of only a few volleyball players to have competed all four years as a member of the Flames.
As a student at Welch, in addition to volleyball, Lockert was involved in several areas of campus life. She was a student council representative, Charlotte Bronte Society Events Coordinator, Assistant Director of Musicals, and College Choir President.
Lockert has two things critical for success–a love of volleyball and a love for Welch College. She is determined to come in and advance the program. “I love volleyball,” Lockert stated. “Being able to return to my alma mater in this new position is very exciting. I am truly honored and humbled by this opportunity.”
“I am looking forward to working with Coach Lockert,” said Gary Turner. “Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport will definitely continue moving our program in the right direction.”
Lockert is currently a legal assistant/paralegal at Feeney & Murray P.C. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as musical theatre and “play” with the Cheatham County Community Theatre.
Ashley is married to Will Lockert, and they have 3 children, Liam, Loghan and Lynnley. They attend Bethlehem Free Will Baptist Church where they are youth leaders and Ashley teaches pre-school children’s church.
Cross Country
Coach Matthew Bracey
Matthew Bracey, a 2008 graduate of Welch College, received an M.T.S. from Beeson Divinity School and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He began working for Welch in 2013, where he serves as Vice Provost and teaches courses in law, theology, and history. He has also co-edited and contributed to two books and written a number of scholarly and popular articles.
In addition, Bracey is the Cross Country Coach. Bracey has run several marathons, including, most recently, the Mercedes-Benz Marathon and the Walt Disney World Marathon. He has also run numerous smaller races, winning his age category in a recent 5k. For students interest, contact Coach Bracey at the email or telephone number above.
Golf
Coach Barry Simpson
Coach Barry Simpson was born in Kansas City, KS and raised in Shawnee, KS, a suburb of Kansas City. After graduating from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1977, he served 4 years active duty in the United States Marine Corps. He attended Welch College from 1981-1986 graduating magna cum laude with a BA in Pastoral Administration. He served on the pastoral staff of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church in Joelton, TN for 22 years (1984-2006), 16 of which as Senior Pastor. He served as Director of Development for 4 years (2007-2010) at Free Will Baptist International Mission in Nashville, TN.
Currently, Simpson resides in Joelton, TN with his wife Jena Carrington Simpson.
The Simpsons have two sons and two grandchildren.
