Missouri State University women’s basketball head coach Nyla Milleson completed her 2008-09 Lady Bear coaching staff Wednesday (June 25) with the addition of Bethany Creed as director of basketball operations. Creed will begin her duties July 1, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Jim Pendergrass earlier this month.
Creed, who played for Milleson at Drury University from 2002-06, becomes the third member of Milleson’s staff with ties to DU, joining associate head coach Trish Marsh and assistant coach Carly Stubblefield, who both served on the Lady Panthers’ staff during Creed’s playing days at the Springfield school.
"We’re extremely pleased to have Bethany join our staff," Milleson said. "Having spent four years in our system and playing on some very successful teams, she certainly understands what it takes to excel, both on and off the court, and she brings a ton of energy and passion everyday. With those factors in mind, I think she can be a positive force for our younger players as they transition into our program."
As director of operations, Creed will oversee Missouri State’s film exchange, academic monitoring and equipment operations, while coordinating team travel arrangements and assisting with Lady Bear basketball camp operations. Her appointment is subject to the approval of the Missouri State Board of Governors at an upcoming meeting.
Creed joins the Lady Bear staff after completing her first year of teaching physical education and coaching volleyball, track and girl’s basketball with the Ash Grove (Mo.) R-IV School District. During her time at Drury, Creed was involved with Lady Panther Basketball Camps, as well as the public relations efforts for all DU sports while serving as an intern in the athletic department.
A native of Ash Grove, Mo., Creed earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise sport science from Drury in 2006 and completed her MBA from DU last August. On the court, Creed played a key role in Drury’s rise to national prominence, helping the Lady Panthers amass 122 victories against just 12 defeats during her career. DU appeared in postseason play in each of her four years, advancing all the way to the Division II national title game in 2004 and making Sweet 16 appearances in 2003 and 2006. The Lady Panthers’ career free throw percentage leader (81.5%), Creed concluded her career among Drury’s all-time leaders in rebounding (seventh), assists (eighth) and steals (ninth).
