Bio

B.S., Bethel University, '03

Coach Starla Cupples is in her 19th year as head coach of the Lady Wildcats in 2022-23. The Lexington, Tennessee native began her career at Bethel as a dual-sport athlete in the fall of 1999 as a member of the volleyball and softball team. She graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Kinesiology.

As a graduate assistant in 2004, Cupples worked under the guidance of Head Coach Malissa Vaughn. In 2005 she took the reigns as head coach. In 2008 she completed her Master of Education degree.

2016 was the most successful season in the program’s history. The Lady Wildcats were 29-6 overall and 18-2 in the SSAC. The Lady Wildcats were a perfect 12-0 at home in Crisp Arena. At one point of the season the Lady Cats won 13 straight matches.

Cupples has a 306-263 career mark at Bethel.

Starla, her husband Kevin, son Aiden and daughter Briley reside in McKenzie.

Coaching Record