MANKATO, Minn. – Bethany Lutheran College has announced that Dan Nessler is stepping down as the head softball coach, a position he has held for the past eight seasons. During his tenure, the Vikings amassed a record of 173-125 and were three times crowned Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Regular Season Champions. The team won the conference tournament in 2022 to advance to the NCAA DIII national tournament.
 
"We want to thank Coach Nessler for what he has brought to Bethany softball during the past eight seasons," said Co-Athletic Director Pat Garvin. "His teams achieved tremendous success on the field while demonstrating excellence in the classroom."
 
He continued, "The future of Bethany Vikings softball is bright and we are committed to finding the right new leadership for this successful program."
 
Considerable player success also highlighted Nessler's tenure as five Vikings earned Rookie of the Year distinctions at the end of the season UMAC awards while he also saw two Pitcher of the Year winners as well as a Player of the Year honor. In addition, 31 Vikings were awarded All-Conference accolades and eight were All-Region award winners during that span.
 
"I'd like to thank Bethany for the opportunity to lead the softball program the past eight years, as well as all of the players who I coached and the assistant coaches who worked with me," said Nessler.  "Thanks to everyone who supported the program from parents and families and the many financial supporters of the program, thank you very much. I'm looking forward to the new opportunities in front of me in the future."
 
A search for a new Bethany Lutheran College Vikings softball coach will begin immediately.