The Stevenson High School Board of Education approved the appointment of D’Wayne Bates as the school’s next athletic director, effective July 1, 2025.
Bates’ appointment will follow the retirement of longtime athletic director Trish Betthauser, who has served at Stevenson for more than 20 years, according to a news release.
Since 2015, Bates has served as the Assistant Principal for Athletics at Glenbard East High School. In this role, he oversaw over 30 sports supporting 2,000 student-athletes, the release said. As part of this work, he was integral to increasing student participation and leadership, ensuring a culturally responsive experience for students, and professional development of coaches and other athletic staff.
“Through his experience working with students over more than two decades, D’Wayne demonstrates a clear track record and passion for supporting student growth, which aligns perfectly with our own mission and vision here at Stevenson,” Eric Twadell, Superintendent of Stevenson High School, said. “His addition to our administrative team comes at a perfect time, as student interest and participation in athletics is at an all-time high. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of our student-athletes under his leadership.”
Before Glenbard East High School, Bates served in various other leadership and educator roles, including as the Assistant Principal for Athletics and Activities for LaSalle-Peru Township High School for three years, according to the release. Bates also taught special education at Marshall High School and social studies at Evanston High School, where he also coached and served as the Interim Assistant Athletic Director.
According to the release Bates has several affiliations, including membership at the Illinois High School Association where he also serves as an Executive Board Member as well as a member of the association’s Legislative and Athletic Administrative Advisory Committees.
Bates is also a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations and currently serves on their Board of Directors, the release said. In the past, he served as the Co-Chair for the Illinois Athletic Director Association and is a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association. Additionally, Bates is a Certified Athletic Administrator and is pursuing his certification as a Master Athletic Administrator.
“We are thrilled that Mr. Bates will be joining the Stevenson family and look forward to working closely with him to ensure the continued success of our athletics program,” Principal Troy Gobble, said. “We also want to express our unending gratitude to Ms. Betthauser, who has been a champion for student success in her capacities as both Athletic Director and educator for more than 20 years. She has left an indelible mark on our athletics program and has touched many lives through her compassionate mentorship of both students and coaches. We look forward to celebrating her in the coming months as she prepares for a well-deserved retirement.”
Bates earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University in 1998 and then a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2008, the release said. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1999 and subsequently was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. He played in the NFL from 1999 to 2005. He received his Administrator Certificate from North Park University in 2011.
“I am honored for the opportunity to serve as Stevenson’s next Director of Athletics,” Bates said. “I look forward to working closely with Trish and Stevenson’s leadership to ensure a smooth transition. Above all, I’m eager to begin working with our student-athletes and amazing team of coaches as we begin another chapter in Stevenson’s Athletics program.”
