Interim Tag Removed as Bedford Named Head Coach

Oskaloosa--William Penn University Athletics Director Aleesha Rabedeaux is proud to announce the hiring of Sheawn Bedford Jr. as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach.

Bedford, who recently concluded his fourth season with the program, served as interim head coach for the last 16 games of the 2024-2025 campaign.

"We are thrilled to have Coach Bedford lead our Statesmen women's basketball program," Rabedeaux said.  "He is deeply committed to creating a positive student-athlete experience and building a culture of excellence both on and off the court.  We look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our student-athletes and the William Penn community."

Bedford came to WPU from Judson High School in Texas where he served as the boys' assistant coach during the 2020-2021 season.  He helped the squad to a 20-8 record, a district title, and an appearance in the area finals.  Bedford coached several all-district, all-region, and All-State players while at Judson, including a district MVP.

Bedford also has coaching experience with his alma mater Mount Mercy University, serving as a graduate assistant coach for the women's basketball program from 2018-2019.  Under his guidance, two players earned all-conference recognition and two collected NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors.

A 2017 graduate of Mount Mercy with a degree in History, Bedford was a member of a team that owned a 49-17 record and twice qualified for NAIA Nationals.  A two-time team captain, he started in 46 games, was a 40% three-point shooter as a senior, and was twice named his team's NAIA Champions of Character representative.  He ranks in the top 20 all-time at MMU in career three-point percentage.

Bedford transferred to MMU from Black Hawk CC in Illinois where he was a two-time team captain and twice team leader in three-point percentage.

Bedford earned his Master's of Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy in 2019.

"I am thankful for the opportunity Aleesha has given me to be the next women's basketball coach at William Penn University," Bedford said.  "This is a dream come true.  I am looking forward to building our basketball program both on and off the court."