Nathan Bellman Named New ODU Women's Basketball Coach

June 15 , 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Dominican athletic director Bill Blazer announced on Wednesday the hiring of their institution’s fifth head women’s basketball coach with the appointment of Nathan Bellman. Bellman accepts his first head coaching job and is no stranger to ODU after graduating from conference rival Mt. Vernon Nazarene University.

“We are pleased Coach Bellman accepted our offer and I know the entire athletic department is looking forward to working with him for years to come,” said Blazer.

Bellman will take over for former head coach Kate Cummings, the winningest coach in school history, who moved on to the University of Findlay this spring after patrolling the Panthers sidelines for the past 11-seasons.

“This is a great opportunity for me and my family,” said Bellman. “I hope to pick up where Coach Cummings left off and continue to build on the success of the women’s program and get the Panthers back to an elite status in the conference.”

A 1997 graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Indiana, Bellman received his bachelors of science in Sports Management from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. He continued his educational endeavors at Ball State University where in 2005 he earned his Masters in Physical Education.

Bellman’s coaching career began at Mt. Vernon as an assistant coach for the men’s team during the 1999-02 seasons. He went on to become an assistant coach with the Indiana Wesleyan University women’s team including being the site coordinator and game management supervisor. From there he spent one season at Wright State University as the women’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator before moving on to his most recent coaching stint at the University of Cumberlands as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator.

Along with his day-to-day coaching responsibilities Coach Bellman will also teach in the physical education department and sports management program.