Men's Basketball | 7/24/2025 12:15:00 PM

BETHANY, W.Va. (pacathletics.org) – Bethany College Director of Athletics Jen Windmiller announced Monday the appointment of Brandon Thorsen '23 as head men's basketball coach, effective immediately. 

Thorsen has been a key part of the Bison's men's basketball program since 2021, when he joined as a graduate assistant. He served as interim head coach during the 2022–23 season and most recently held the role of assistant coach. With this promotion, Thorsen will lead a senior class he has coached since their freshman year.

"Brandon Thorsen has been a passionate and driven leader who understands the value of building strong, authentic relationships with his student-athletes," Windmiller said. "As an assistant coach, Brandon created a culture of trust, accountability, and growth. I am excited and confident in Brandon's vision for the program and his ability to recruit talented student-athletes who align with our mission and values. I know Coach Thorsen is ready to lead this next chapter of Bethany men's basketball with energy and purpose."

Before joining Bethany, Thorsen served as assistant coach at the United States Military Academy Preparatory School. He has also worked with several basketball development programs, including the West Point Elite Camp and the NCAA College Basketball Academy.

As a student-athlete, Thorsen played four seasons at Penn State Behrend. During his collegiate career, the Lions compiled an 85–30 record, won the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) championship, made three ECAC tournament appearances, and earned an NCAA Division III playoff berth.

"I am truly excited for the opportunity to become the next head men's basketball coach at Bethany College," Thorsen said. "I look forward to building a culture that honors Bethany's history of success while developing strong, confident leaders, both on and off the court. I would like to thank President Dr. Jamie Caridi, Chief of Staff Jill Willson, Director of Athletics Jen Windmiller, and the rest of the Bethany College administration for believing in my vision for the program."

Thorsen inherits a Bison squad that opened last season 5–0, averaging more than 100 points per game in that stretch—the program's best start since 2009. Off the court, the Bison named five athletes to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Academic Honors Court; the most they have named in this decade.

Contributed by Bethany Athletic Communications