Biology: Paul Rush enters his second year as Northwest Nazarene’s Director of Athletics in the 2024-25 academic year.

Rush moved into the AD chair after eight total seasons with the men’s basketball program, including the last six years as the head coach. During those six seasons at the helm, he led the program to new heights at the NCAA Division II level. He compiled an overall record of 88-61 (.591) and 54-39 (.581) in GNAC play, finishing all six seasons with a winning percentage of .500 or above. 

Under Rush’s guidance, the Nighthawks qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice (with a Sweet 16 appearance in 2021) with a streak of qualifying for the GNAC Tournament four times in a row (top six teams out of 10). Rush coached three All-Region players, the 2019 GNAC Player & Newcomer of the Year in Adonis Arms, and the 2022 GNAC Freshman of the Year in Tru Allen. In addition to those two GNAC special honors, 17 total Nighthawks received All-GNAC recognition during Rush’s tenure.

“What a blessing this is to be able to serve Northwest Nazarene University and the incredible students, coaches, and staff we have in our athletic department,” said Rush at the time of his appointment. “The opportunity to see the students’ lives transformed as we build on the unprecedented successes that Nighthawks Athletics has achieved under Kelli’s leadership is beyond exciting. 

“My family and I are grateful to President Pearsall, Vice President Pearson, and the entire search committee for trusting me with this role. We look forward to continuing the upward trajectory of NNU Athletics as we build Nampa’s Home Team into an NCAA Division II powerhouse.”

Prior to joining NNU as an assistant coach, Rush, an Idaho native, was a successful coach at Capital High School in Boise. He led the Eagles to third place in the 2015 Class 5A State Tournament, following up on an undefeated season in 2014 as Capital captured the 2014 Class 5A state championship.

Rush began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Capital sophomore boys basketball team in 2003, working his way up to head coach and taking over the Eagles’ program in 2009. He graduated from Boise State in 2006 with a degree in Psychology.

He and his wife Kylie now live in Nampa with their four young sons.