Wednesday, September 12, 2012

NAMPA, Idaho -- Bill Rapp, a 1982 alumnus of Northwest Nazarene University, has been selected 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. He is a leader who brings vision and development skills to support and expand on our legacy of athletic and academic achievement,” NNU President David Alexander said.

Rapp brings 30 years of experience with the SAP Open (ATP World Tour) and professional tennis tournaments in the Bay Area and 11 years as the tournament director with Sharks Sports & Entertainment.  Rapp was the first USPTA pro to become a ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) director. Early in his career in San Jose, he also managed ticket sales for the San Jose Sharks (NHL).

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," Dr. 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."

Excited for the opportunity Rapp stated, “When I graduated from NNU I felt prepared for whatever was next.  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 and will begin at NNU October 1.