Azusa Pacific University Athletics has announced the appointment of Bo Beatty ’94, MAEd ’00 as the inaugural head coach of its newly launched women’s flag football program, marking a historic step forward in the department’s continued commitment to innovation and growth in women’s athletics.
A beloved figure within the Cougar community, Beatty brings decades of experience and a deep-rooted connection to APU. His association with the university dates back to 1992 as a student-athlete under legendary head football coach Jim Milhon, followed by a coaching tenure on the Cougar sidelines that has spanned nearly four decades.
“It’s exciting that APU is one of the first Christian universities in Southern California to start flag football,” said Beatty.
Beatty will continue serving as assistant head coach for APU’s football program, playing a key role in a strategic vision that integrates both men’s football and women’s flag football into a unified system. The department aims to create shared resources, streamlined operations, and collaborative training environments that promote mentorship and cross-program development while honoring each team’s unique competitive identity.
“This addition of flag football strengthens our commitment to providing balanced, holistic athletic experiences,” said Director of Athletics Gary Pine ’84, MBA ’05. “Selecting Bo as the inaugural head coach is an important decision. Few people in the history of APU exemplify the mission and purpose of Cougar athletics better than Bo. He brings passion and excitement to every one of his endeavors, and his success on the high school level will translate well into the women’s college game. Simply put, he knows how to win, and more importantly, he is an outstanding and experienced mentor. Athletes love to play for him.”
Most recently, Beatty served five seasons as co-head coach and defensive coordinator at Bonita High School in La Verne, where he compiled a 42-16 record. Under his leadership, the Bearcats reached the CIF playoffs four times, captured their first conference championship in 25 years, and elevated the program from Division 10 to Division 3 while producing multiple NCAA Division I recruits.
Prior to his return to the high school ranks, Beatty spent 25 years on the APU football coaching staff, including time as assistant head coach and strength and conditioning coach. During that span, he helped guide the Cougars to a national championship in 1998 and four conference titles while mentoring numerous All-Americans and future coaches.
Beyond coaching, Beatty has served as a physical education educator and leader within the Covina-Valley Unified School District since 1999, further emphasizing his commitment to mentorship and student development both on and off the field.
Beatty will immediately begin recruiting for the program’s inaugural 2026-27 season while assembling a coaching staff and building a competitive schedule. The Cougars are expected to compete against emerging conference opponents including Cal Lutheran, Redlands, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, and Pomona-Pitzer, as the sport rapidly expands across California.
“We’re looking forward to competing against our new conference members and other institutions that are adding flag football,” Pine added. “I expect the sport to be a spectator favorite on campuses throughout California.”
The addition of women’s flag football continues APU’s legacy of excellence in women’s athletics, contributing to a tradition that includes 48 national championships and consistent top-20 finishes in the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings.
Prospective student-athletes interested in joining the program can email [email protected] for more information. Fans can stay up to date by visiting athletics.apu.edu and following @apucougars on Instagram and X, and @azusapacificathletics on Facebook.
Azusa Pacific University is one of the West Coast’s leading Christian higher education institutions, equipping students to become compassionate leaders who impact the world for Christ. More than 330 student-athletes compete across APU’s 19 intercollegiate programs, which serve as a model of integrity, student impact, and competitive excellence.