OSKALOOSA — Aleesha Rabedeaux has announced she will step down as William Penn Athletics Director to pursue a new career opportunity within the University.
Rabedeaux, who has served as AD since February 2024, will transition into a role as the Director of University Operations this summer.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served as the Athletics Director at William Penn,” Rabedeaux said. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented coaches, athletes, and staff members. Together, we achieved significant milestones, both on the field and in the classroom. I am excited to continue contributing to the University in my new role and look forward to supporting our continued success.”
During her tenure, William Penn has won five conference titles (men’s lacrosse and men’s volleyball last year, and men’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, and women’s golf this year), while the shotgun sports team won a national crown recently (men’s soccer was national runner-up last fall).
Academic success was also achieved under Rabedeaux as 15 programs posted a 3.0 Grade Point Average last school year, while the overall department GPA was 3.12. Additionally, 231 Statesmen student-athletes were above the 3.0 mark with 164 making the Dean’s List (3.5+ GPA) and 103 reaching the President’s List (3.9+ GPA).
A total of 94 WPU student-athletes were named Heart of America Athletic Conference Scholar-Athletes and 84 garnered NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition.
The addition of eSports was announced under her guidance as well.
“I am grateful for the outstanding leadership and dedication Aleesha demonstrated during her time as Athletic Director,” William Penn President John Ottosson said. “Her impact extended far beyond the athletic department, leaving a lasting mark on our entire institution. It was exactly what was needed at this time. I look forward to working even more closely with her in this new role and am excited to see the broader influence she will have across our campus community.”
A nation-wide search for William Penn’s next Athletics Director will commence immediately.
