WICHITA, Kan. – Former Friends University student-athlete and graduate assistant Caleb Coats will return to campus after being tabbed as the new Friends Assistant Athletic Director of Operations, starting with the upcoming 2026-27 season.
"This is one of those transitions with mixed emotions," said Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University VP of Athletics & Strategic Expansion. "Kayla Allen did outstanding work in this role, and we are grateful for what she built here. We wish her nothing but success in her next chapter. At the same time, we get to welcome back one of our own. Caleb knows this place. His experience in operations, compliance, and event management, paired with his understanding of our culture and mission, makes him the right person for this role, and we look forward to the impact he will have on our department and our student-athlete experience."
Coats replaces Allen, who steps down from the role after three seasons to relocate to North Carolina. Allen left a lasting mark at Friends, competing for the Falcon cross country and track and field teams and earning an NAIA All-America nod in the Race Walk while helping the program capture multiple KCAC indoor and outdoor championships. She was then an Administrative/Sports Information graduate assistant intern before assuming the full-time role ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Coats returns to Friends after serving as Assistant AD for Operations at Bethel College last year. At Bethel, Coats oversaw gameday operations for all home events and special events. Responsibilities at Bethel also included managing the athletic compliance and eligibility processes and serving as the Director of the Wellness Center. Additionally, Coats coordinated gameday officials' assignments and was the primary contact for visiting teams and game personnel.
Previously at Friends, Coats was the Gameday Operations Graduate Assistant Intern, where he was a critical part of all home events and ticket sales. He was also involved in providing hospitality and communication with gameday officials along with assisting in the scheduling of personnel for home events.
A three-year letterwinner for the Baseball Falcons under head coach Adam Neisius, Coats recorded a career .259 batting average with a pair of home runs and 60 runs driven in.
"I'm honored to return to Friends University and grateful for the opportunity to serve a community that has already invested so much in me," said Coats. "I believe excellence is built through service, relationships, and the daily commitment to doing the little things well. I'm excited to support our student-athletes, coaches, and campus community while helping raise the standard in everything we do."
