Willamette University Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Franz as Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Recruitment, effective December 1, 2025. Franz will transition from their current role of Head Coach of Women's Triathlon to focus on this new leadership position.  

Franz brings two decades of coaching and recruiting experience at Willamette, having led programs in XC/Track and Field and Women's Triathlon. Over the last five years, Franz built a nationally ranked triathlon program that produced the 2023 National Freshman of the Year and earned recognition as the DIII National Coach of the Year. Franz has spent the last year and a half as Assistant Athletic Director overseeing compliance and student-athlete academic success. 

"I am excited to serve in this new role and continue to work with all the great people across campus.  Willamette is a special place and I am thankful for Leslie Shevlin and the University for giving me this opportunity," said Franz. " The last 20 years coaching here have been transformative. Thank you to all the student-athletes and coaches that I have had the opportunity to work with at Willamette, all the lessons I have learned from them will help me thrive in this new role. Let's go Bearcats!"

In this new role, Franz will be responsible for ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations, leading internal recruitment and retention strategies, and continuing to support student-athlete academic success.

"We are thrilled to have someone with Brett's expertise and experience stepping into this critical role," said Leslie Shevlin, Director of Athletics. "His knowledge of our community, record of success, and passion for recruitment and student-athlete success will help our programs in their continued pursuit of competitive and academic excellence".

Brett Franz earned a BS in Business Marketing from Western Oregon University and a MA in Education, with a focus in Athletic Administration from Lindenwood University. 

Willamette University Athletics will begin a search for a new Head Coach of Women's Triathlon in the spring of 2026.

Please join us in sharing our excitement for Brett Franz in this new role at Willamette University.