CARY TAKES OVER AS HEAD OF SWEDES SOFTBALL PROGRAM
June 26, 2019
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Bethany College Department of Athletics announces the hiring of Gregory Cary as the new head softball coach.
“The Swedes softball program has a tradition of excellence in the classroom and on the field. I believe Coach Cary has the right tools and experiences to continue that excellence,” Bethany College President, William Jones said. “In my conversations with him, he spoke of the uniqueness of the Bethany campus and the Lindsborg communities. I know he will be a good fit for both.”
Cary comes to Bethany most recently from State University of New York Oneonta in Oneonta, N.Y. where he has been the assistant softball coach since August 2018. There he worked with outfielders and hitters in addition to recruiting duties. Cary had a goal of helping an already successful program reach the next level offensively by bringing in a simple hitting philosophy.
Before this, Cary was the head softball coach at Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, N.Y. from August 2017-August 2018. During his time at Brooklyn, the team saw improvements from the previous season in batting average, on-base percentage, runs batted in, and fielding percentage. One senior pitcher had her best season statistically with a career high amount of wins, strikeouts, complete games, and a career low in earned run average.
For the 2016 season, Cary was the assistant softball coach at Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia. Working with outfielders there, Cary was able to help the outfield squad achieve a .935 fielding percentage, in addition to this three of the four regular starters earned academic all-conference honors.
Before that, Cary spent two seasons as the head softball coach for Monroe College in Rochelle, N.Y. His team had the highest team GPA on campus for the 2014-15 academic year. Four student-athletes continued on to play for NCAA Division I or II institutions. The team also set program team records in batting average (.371), on base percentage (.428), stolen bases (54), and fielding percentage (.953).
“We are thrilled to welcome Gregory Cary as our new Head Softball Coach,” Interim Athletics Director, Laura Moreno said. “Coach Cary’s energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitude and demeanor stood out from the beginning, and were strongly evident throughout the entire hiring process. His work ethic, love for the game of softball, and philosophy of developing the overall student-athlete will provide an immediate benefit for Swedes Softball. Coach Cary is a great fit for Bethany College, and we are excited to have him join the Swedes Family!”
Cary earned an Associates of Arts degree in communication from State University of New York at Corning Community in May 2010 before obtaining his Bachelors of Arts degree in communications from State University of New York at Purchase College in May 2014.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the Bethany College Softball program,” Cary stated. “I want to thank President Jones, Interim Athletics Director, Laura Moreno and the search committee for allowing me this opportunity. I look forward to being a part of the Bethany College community and helping to instill the values of the college into current and future student athletes. An opportunity of this magnitude is what I’ve striving for over the past several years.”
– #RockarStockar –
“The Swedes softball program has a tradition of excellence in the classroom and on the field. I believe Coach Cary has the right tools and experiences to continue that excellence,” Bethany College President, William Jones said. “In my conversations with him, he spoke of the uniqueness of the Bethany campus and the Lindsborg communities. I know he will be a good fit for both.”
Cary comes to Bethany most recently from State University of New York Oneonta in Oneonta, N.Y. where he has been the assistant softball coach since August 2018. There he worked with outfielders and hitters in addition to recruiting duties. Cary had a goal of helping an already successful program reach the next level offensively by bringing in a simple hitting philosophy.
Before this, Cary was the head softball coach at Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, N.Y. from August 2017-August 2018. During his time at Brooklyn, the team saw improvements from the previous season in batting average, on-base percentage, runs batted in, and fielding percentage. One senior pitcher had her best season statistically with a career high amount of wins, strikeouts, complete games, and a career low in earned run average.
For the 2016 season, Cary was the assistant softball coach at Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia. Working with outfielders there, Cary was able to help the outfield squad achieve a .935 fielding percentage, in addition to this three of the four regular starters earned academic all-conference honors.
Before that, Cary spent two seasons as the head softball coach for Monroe College in Rochelle, N.Y. His team had the highest team GPA on campus for the 2014-15 academic year. Four student-athletes continued on to play for NCAA Division I or II institutions. The team also set program team records in batting average (.371), on base percentage (.428), stolen bases (54), and fielding percentage (.953).
“We are thrilled to welcome Gregory Cary as our new Head Softball Coach,” Interim Athletics Director, Laura Moreno said. “Coach Cary’s energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitude and demeanor stood out from the beginning, and were strongly evident throughout the entire hiring process. His work ethic, love for the game of softball, and philosophy of developing the overall student-athlete will provide an immediate benefit for Swedes Softball. Coach Cary is a great fit for Bethany College, and we are excited to have him join the Swedes Family!”
Cary earned an Associates of Arts degree in communication from State University of New York at Corning Community in May 2010 before obtaining his Bachelors of Arts degree in communications from State University of New York at Purchase College in May 2014.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the Bethany College Softball program,” Cary stated. “I want to thank President Jones, Interim Athletics Director, Laura Moreno and the search committee for allowing me this opportunity. I look forward to being a part of the Bethany College community and helping to instill the values of the college into current and future student athletes. An opportunity of this magnitude is what I’ve striving for over the past several years.”
– #RockarStockar –
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State. Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 31, 2025 — In its 15th annual celebration, Bethany College Admissions hosted its “Waffle Day” preview event on Saturday, March 22, coinciding with Lindsborg’s “Våffeldagen” festivities. The event invited high school students and their families to experience a “taste” of college life—while also enjoying a sweet slice of Swedish culture. Over 60 prospective students and families from four different states attended the preview day, which included a campus tour, admissions and financial aid session, a faculty-led academic presentation, and a student panel highlighting campus life. “For several years now, Våffeldagen has been a crowd favorite for both future and current students at Bethany College,” said Sabrina Wollenberg, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “Lindsborg is a special part of many students’ college experience—including my own. Families may visit other campuses and not feel a connection to the town, but when they come to Bethany, they fall in love with both the college and the community. For this event, we want to highlight not just the campus, but also one of the most exciting days of the year, giving prospective students a true sense of Bethany. It’s more than just residence halls and classrooms—it’s a vibrant Main Street with local shops and a welcoming community. Plus, nothing appeals more to a 17 or 18-year-old than waffles!” The History Behind Våffeldagen “Våffeldagen,” or Waffle Day, is a Swedish tradition rooted in the Feast of the Annunciation, observed on March 25. The day’s original name, “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day), over time morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which sounded similar in Swedish. The accidental shift became a beloved tradition of celebrating spring with waffles and gathering with friends. Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen has grown into a regional favorite, drawing visitors from near and far.This year’s planners for the downtown Våffeldagen event were Tara Killingsworth (The Ivory Thimble), Rachael Breen (Hairymolairys), and Samuel Finch (Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery). The town-wide celebration features waffle-inspired treats and family-friendly activities all across Main Street. Bethany College invites students and families to return for three more hallmark events that showcase the college and community’s shared spirit: Messiah Festival of the Arts, April 11 & 13, 2025 Chalk the Välk, April 12, 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest, October 17–18, 2025 These events highlight the strong ties between the college and the city, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the unique energy of Lindsborg and its beloved traditions. For more information on upcoming events or to schedule a campus visit, please visit bethanylb.edu/visit-campus To explore more about Lindsborg and its beloved traditions, visit visitlindsborg.com . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.