Rabedeaux Appointed as Athletics Director at William Penn University
Aleesha Rabedeaux
Rabedeaux, who is currently serving as the Associate Athletics Director and Senior Women’s Leader at William Penn, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership within collegiate athletics to her new role, which will commence on February 1.
“I am pleased to announce that Aleesha has stepped into the role of Athletics Director,” Ottosson said. “She has demonstrated the vision and ability to understand the intersection of academics and athletics as it prepares our students for success in life. William Penn is fortunate that she is here and willing to take on this role. I look forward in eagerness and excitement to see how Aleesha will put her mark on Statesmen Athletics. I am confident that it will be positive for all of us.”
Rabedeaux, who has been the Senior Women’s Leader for the past four years, has served as Associate Athletic Director for two years after have been Assistant Athletic Director for two school campaigns prior to that. Her experiences have encompassed oversight, business operations, onboarding and compliance, while overseeing 10 sports and spearheading streamlined processes within the department.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and endowment of trust President Ottoson has bestowed upon me,” Rabedeaux said. “Thank you to Nik Rule for his leadership, guidance, and belief in me over the past six years. William Penn has afforded me great opportunities in my time here, and I am elated for my new appointment as Athletics Director. I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible athletic staff daily. William Penn University, Statesmen Athletics, and the community of Oskaloosa mean so much to my family and I. Our department will continue to strive for greatness on the playing field, in the classroom, and within the community. We look forward to many years of continued success for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff.”
Rabedeaux’s impactful journey at WPU began as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach in 2018. Her four-year coaching tenure witnessed a remarkable turnaround for the program. Previously winning only five conference matches in five years, Rabedeaux led the Statesmen to substantial progress with an overall record of 66-55, while numerous players earned recognition for their athletic and academic achievements.
Prior to her tenure at William Penn University, Rabedeaux served as the Head Coach Women’s Volleyball Coach at Southwestern Community College in Creston from 2016-2017, orchestrating an impressive transformation of the program as her efforts propelled the Spartans from a 6-27 record in her first year to a commendable 20-21 record with her recruited team.
A former collegiate athlete, Rabedeaux began her career at Roosevelt University as a two-sport athlete in volleyball and basketball before transferring to Rock Valley Community College. She earned her Associate’s degree from Rock Valley in 2014 and completed her Bachelor’s degree at Upper Iowa University in 2016, where she also played basketball. Additionally, Rabedeaux holds a Master’s in Business Leadership from William Penn in 2020.
Rabedeaux resides in Oskaloosa with her husband Beau, who is also a William Penn alum, and their daughter Bloem.
