NNU announces new athletic director

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Nampa, Idaho

Northwest Nazarene University President David Alexander announced the hiring of Bill Rapp, a 1982 NNU alumnus, as the university’s new athletic director. Rapp was introduced Wednesday morning to students, faculty, and the community during a press conference.

Rapp is known as a dynamic combination of professional athletic talent and business aptitude.

"NNU anticipates benefiting greatly from Bill’s extensive professional experience in sports management," Alexander said. "He is a leader who brings vision and development skills to support and expand on our legacy of athletic and academic achievement."

Rapp brings 30 years of experience with the SAP Open, an event on Association of Tennis Professionals World Tour, and professional tennis tournaments in the Bay Area. He was also the tournament director for Sharks Sports and Entertainment for 11 years. Rapp was the first U.S. Professional Tennis Association member to become an ATP director. Early in his career in San Jose, California, he also managed ticket sales for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League.

As the SAP Open tournament director, Rapp signed all professional players including Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick, and Andy Murray.

"Bill Rapp is a unique hire for NNU's intercollegiate athletic program," Alexander said. "Not only was he a student-athlete at NNU, he has a successful record as a sports entrepreneur. Bill Rapp will grow NNU athletics."

Rapp is excited for the opportunity.

"When I graduated from NNU, I felt prepared for whatever was next," he said. "God led me to a rewarding career in teaching, coaching, sports marketing, and tournament management. Most importantly, He allowed me opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.

"Now, three decades later, I am excited to partner with NNU coaches, staff, alumni, and community. Together we will focus on our athlete’s academic, physical and spiritual development. Our athletes will train intensely, compete fiercely, and will compete and win with class."

Rapp and his wife, Sherra, have three sons, Spencer, Jensen, and Anderson, who will begin at NNU on October 1.
--Northwest Nazarene University

 

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