Bethani Black
Bethani Black

Bio

Coach Bethani Black started her tenure at American River College in 1998.  She began as the head coach for the women’s swim team, and then worked with her department dean to add women’s water polo.  In the fall of 1998 women’s water polo became a varsity sport at American River College.  Coach Black has coached both the swim and water polo programs ever since. 

Both programs have shared a rich history of success.  With 4 Big 8 Conference Championship Titles, 4 NorCal Conference Championship titles, and top 10 state swimming performances over the past 17 seasons in swim and dive as well as her polo teams advancing to the state tournament 11 of 16 times.    Adding to the history of team awards and accomplishments are Angie Matheu 2002 California Community College Swimmer of the year.  Angie won all three of her events and set a new state record in the 50 breaststroke.  In 2007 swimmer Anne Scott was named California Community College Swimmer of the Year after winning all 3 of her individual events both her freshman and sophomore seasons.  As a sophomore Anne set 3 new State records and National records in the 50/100 and 200 Freestyle.

Coach Black believes that the discipline of polo and swim transfers into all other aspects of each athletes life.  The skills they learn with in the program; self-discipline, commitment, follow thru, team work and positive attitudes have lead to the teams 3 Pepsi Scholar Awards.  A recognition of the best performances within the class room and team setting.  Well over 60 athletes have transferred in 2 years on athletic scholarships, and many more with academic scholarships. 

Bethani grew up swimming.  It was only natural to continue her swimming thru college.  She earned her bachelors degrees in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training and in Recreation from CSU Fresno.  She went on to earn her multiple teaching credential for K-6th and a Masters degree in Education and Administration, followed by a second Masters degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Coaching and Administration.  Most recently Coach Black eared her Level 1 Certificate in Crossfit and is using this knowledge to support her teams further development.

In Bethani’s time away from the pool she shares it with her husband Eric, the men’s’ water polo and swim coach at American River College and her 3 wonderful daughters.  Outside of being a coach her greatest loves are her family!