SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University has named head coaches for its beach volleyball, CrossFit, and disc golf club sports teams. Club sports launched this academic year and are open to any student.
Beth Doles will serve as the head coach of EU’s beach volleyball team. Doles currently owns and operates a fitness center in Rogersville, Missouri, and played volleyball for Evangel during her time as a student.
In addition to over a decade of appearances in court, sand, and grass volleyball tournaments, Doles provides skill instructions for athletes at the Malosi Sand Academy in Springfield.
“My hope for this year is to create an absolute love for the game in students and give them the tools to reach their full potential, both individually and as teammates.” Doles said.
Lily Axtell will serve as the head coach of EU’s CrossFit team. Axtell has coached at CrossFit 417 in Ozark, Missouri, for nearly three years, and has been a CrossFit participant since 2015.
In 2021, Axtell was named Evangel’s Outstanding Graduate in Exercise Science. As an EU student, Axtell was a member of the Valor women’s soccer team.
“I’m so excited to help grow this club to its fullest potential,” said Axtell. “This is a great opportunity for students who want to learn more about CrossFit, stay active, and be competitive in the sport.”
Mark Fabian will serve as the head coach for EU’s disc golf team. Fabian brings over 10 years of recreational and competitive disc golf experience to the position, including appearances in local tournaments. He is also a member of the Professional Disc Golf Association.
In addition to this role, Fabian serves as Evangel’s executive director of strategic partnerships and digital learning. He provides key guidance for educational technology on campus and coordinates collaborative efforts with churches, Christian schools, and other organizations.
“It is a privilege to contribute to the personal growth of our students,” said Fabian. “I am excited for the chance to connect with participants, get them outdoors, and develop skills in a sport that they can enjoy for a lifetime.”
Evangel also offers bass fishing as a club sports option with pro angler Brayden Rakes as coach. A bowling club will also begin this academic year. A coach has yet to be named.
About club sports
Evangel’s club sport teams supplement its robust varsity athletic teams and provide more opportunities for students to get involved in athletic competition. Club sports compete with other schools’ teams but do not fall under the university’s athletic conference and do not have varsity status.
Club sport teams are led by an athletic coach or by students with an EU advisor. Standards of enrollment status, grade point average, and community standing may be required for team membership. Scholarships are available.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.