Brandan Bettenhausen, Indiana State's assistant track and field coach, has been named the MVC Women's Indoor Track and Field Assistant Coach of the Year for the 2026 season. Bettenhausen, in his ninth year with the Sycamores, led three athletes to all-conference honors at the MVC Indoor Championships, where the throwers scored a total of 45 points, outperforming six other teams. Aliseonna Garnett was a standout, scoring 18 points individually and achieving top placements in both shot put and weight throw. This recognition marks Bettenhausen's second MVC Assistant Coach of the Year award.

By the Numbers
  • Sycamores' throwers scored 45 points at the MVC Indoor Championships.
  • Aliseonna Garnett earned 18 points with a first-place shot put mark of 16.32m (53-6.5).
  • Niesha Anderson placed third in the weight throw with a mark of 19.51m (64-0.25).
Yes, But

While Bettenhausen has achieved significant success, maintaining consistent performance amidst evolving competition in track and field presents challenges. Future seasons could see higher benchmarks as rival teams intensify their training and recruitment strategies.

State of Play
  • Bettenhausen's coaching has led to a notable performance spike among Sycamores' throwers.
  • Three athletes scored in both throwing events at the MVC Championships, showcasing depth in the program.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Bettenhausen will likely aim to build on this season's success by enhancing training programs and recruiting to increase the team鈥檚 competitive edge in upcoming outdoor seasons.

Bottom Line

Bettenhausen鈥檚 recognition as MVC Assistant Coach of the Year underscores his impact on the team; his ability to elevate athletes' performances will be crucial as he looks to sustain this momentum moving forward.