Springing Towards the Future
The Providence Christian College athletic department is overjoyed with the growth of our program since launching athletics in 2015, and the positive trajectory which we are headed in. As we continue to grow and look to the future, there were a few changes made in the department, and we are confident these changes will help to propel the program even further.
As 2023 came to a close, so did the illustrious tenure of a Providence Christian College staple. Director of Athletic and Student Affairs, Brian DeHaan, felt God's calling to make a career change after having faithfully served Providence Christian College for the past six and a half years. DeHaan informed administration and the athletic department towards the end of last semester about his departure, and with the support of Interim President Dr. David Alexander, handed over the role of Interim Director of Athletics to Eddie Arnett at the start of the Spring semester. Arnett had served as the Assistant Director of Athletics overseeing game day operations and sports information for the Sea Beggars the last two and a half years under DeHaan's leadership. As we plan to expand our athletic department, Arnett will be a big part of boosting this program. When asked about the change in roles and responsibilities, Arnett responded, "Brian transformed the Providence athletic department over his six and a half years of heartfelt leadership, and I hope to follow his lead and continue to grow the department on the solid foundation he established. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to step into this position and lead alongside our fantastic coaches and staff. These individuals sacrificially love on our student-athletes and push them to grow in their relationships with Christ, in the classroom, and in their sports, and it's truly an honor to work alongside each one of them. God has faithfully directed my path throughout my career so I continue to walk in faith knowing that He guides my steps and my stops. Providence existed long before I came and will exist long after I'm gone, but I'm simply called to do my best to serve and love people while I'm here." Arnett added, "Providence is positioned incredibly well for the future and has great senior leadership, spearheaded by Dr. David Alexander. I'm incredibly thankful to Dr. Alexander for his trust in me and I recognize the significance of shepherding the athletic department forward towards what God has in store for this great institution." We believe we are in good hands with Arnett, and we anticipate great success and growth under his leadership.
In addition, Erin Burnelle has been named the new Assistant Student Success Coach in our Academic Resource Center (ARC), which is directed by Professor Jan Van Spronsen. Brunelle will also serve in the athletic department as Compliance Director, Sports Information Director, and Senior Woman Leader. As a College-Level Student Success Coach and in conjunction with the athletic department, she will play a pivotal role in supporting college students' academic and personal development. Brunelle's primary responsibility is to provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to help students overcome challenges, set and achieve academic goals, and navigate the complexities of college life. When asked about the different roles she has in the athletic department, Brunelle replied, "This new opportunity allows me to have full-time employment at Providence and thereby be more present on campus. I am looking forward to getting to know more of the student body population to help guide and mentor students throughout their college careers. I have loved working with Jan Van Spronsen, Director of Student Success, so far, and I know I will be learning a lot from her as I ease into this new role within the Academic Resource Team. I hope I will provide support to both the Academic and Athletic departments and am looking forward to however God will use me in my various roles at Providence." We are excited to have Brunelle to work side-by-side with us, and we trust that she will be a great asset for all the student-athletes and staff.
Lastly, Providence Christian College proudly introduces Phillip Ahn as the Game Day Operations Coordinator and Assistant Sports Information Director. Ahn is a Pepperdine University graduate with a bachelor's degree in Sports Administration. As he was looking for an internship to complete his degree, he connected with Eddie Arnett, as he was the Assistant Athletic Director of Maranatha High School when Ahn was a student there. After a few months interning in the Providence athletic department under Arnett's supervision and hearing the news of DeHaan leaving, Phillip was offered an opportunity to work full-time at Providence Christian College. He will focus heavily on coordinating game-day operations for all sports and compiling and tracking statistics and media releases for the program. When asked about the opportunity to work at the Providence athletic program, Ahn answered, "I am ecstatic that I get to pursue the career I want at an institution like Providence Christian College where I can grow my knowledge in the sports industry and grow my faith with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. As I start my career here at Providence serving the students and staff, I hope to be a small piece in this program that makes a positive difference moving forward. I am extremely grateful for God's guidance and love, and I trust that He will continue to do wonderful things within the athletic department and the college as a whole."
We are confident these individuals will make a positive impact on the Sea Beggars Athletic Department and ultimately glorify God through all of their work.
