BABSON PARK, Fla. (April 30, 2021) – Webber International University President and CEO Dr. H. Keith Wade announced today that Brad Niethammer, who has been serving in an interim capacity since July, has been appointed Director of Athletics for the University's Babson Park, Florida campus, effective immediately.

Said Wade, "We did a nationwide search. We received well over a hundred applications and reviewed each carefully. We had committees representing a number of different constituencies involved in the selection process. Brad was our most qualified candidate, and I know he'll do well. I join the rest of the University not just on wishing him well, but on being very excited about the future of Webber Warrior Athletics under Coach Niethammer's leadership. As a coach, he has been absolutely committed to his athletes – and that means athletically, academically, spiritually, and socially. During his time as our interim Director of Athletics, he has demonstrated that he is just as committed to his coaches and his support staff."

Said Niethammer "Webber has been a part of my life since 1993. I grew up here not just as a coach but as a person. Everyone at Webber plays an important role in developing the whole student. The entire University is committed to our students graduating with the skills they need to get hired and hit the ground running, and it truly is a team effort. Athletics is a big part of this, and I'm excited to lead our department's efforts in developing our students into leaders. I want to thank the coaching staff for all their support during the last eight months and Dr. Wade for trusting me with this opportunity and challenge."

Niethammer, who had previously been coaching high school baseball and serving as a substitute teacher, joined Webber in 1993 as its first baseball Head Coach, a position he would hold for 26 years. His record placed him among the top-20 winningest active baseball coaches in the National Association of Intercollege Athletics (NAIA) before he retired after the 2019 season. Throughout the years, he took on additional responsibilities including Director of Athletics Facilities, Assistant Director of Athletics, and Associate Director of Athletics.

Niethammer holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University and a Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Sport Management from Webber International University.

Niethammer has served as the Treasurer of The Sun Conference since 2011. He has served on the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association Committee, serving as President in 2017. He has also served on the NAIA World Series Games Committee and currently serves on the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame Veterans Committee. He served as the Baseball Chair for NAIA Region XIV as well as Baseball Chair for The Sun Conference for eleven years.

Please join us in congratulating Brad Niethammer on being officially named Director of Athletics at Webber International University.