Wednesday, December 17, 2014

NAMPA, Idaho — After a brief and successful stint leading Crusader Athletics, Bill Rapp announced this week he is stepping down as Northwest Nazarene University’s Director of Athletics.

Rapp’s resignation takes effect immediately.

NNU President Dr. David Alexander announced Rapp’s decision and added: “Bill Rapp has made NNU intercollegiate athletics better and stronger. His ability and energy have professionalized our events, brought together a greater support network and helped us reach new levels of success.

“We are grateful for Bill’s service and wish him well in his new endeavors,” Dr. Alexander said.

Dr. Alexander announced that Associate Athletic Director Kelli Lindley will serve as Acting Director of Athletics for NNU.

“We look forward to continuing the success Crusader Athletics has enjoyed competitively, in the classroom and in fulfilling the mission of Northwest Nazarene University in transforming student-athletes lives,” Lindley said.

Lindley has spent the past year as Crusader Athletics’ NCAA compliance officer and the Senior Women’s Administrator.

Prior to taking on the role as Associate Athletic Director, Lindley was one of the most successful coaches in the Crusaders’ NCAA history, leading the women’s basketball program to the NCAA Division II National Tournament in 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2013 and compiling a career record of 187-120.

A four-year star player at Washington State, Lindley began her coaching career as an assistant at Gonzaga where she earned her Master’s in Organizational Leadership.

She took over the Crusader women’s basketball program in July of 2000.

Rapp, a 1982 alumnus of then Northwest Nazarene College, was named athletic director on Sept. 12, 2012.

During his time leading Crusader Athletics, NNU student-athletes twice finished second in the GNAC All-Sports Academic race and competitively won GNAC Championships in men’s golf (2014) and volleyball (2014).

This fall, under Rapp’s watch, the Crusaders also sent teams to the NCAA Division II National Tournament in men’s soccer and volleyball, hosting the NCAA National Tournament’s West Regional in volleyball.