Bethel grew up in High Point, where he began playing volleyball in middle school. He trained and scrimmaged regularly against the girls’ teams at Proehlific Power Volleyball Club and also competed in sand volleyball for the same club. His versatility developed early, as he played multiple positions—attacker, setter, and defensive specialist—both indoors and on the beach.
A graduate of NC State, Bethel played on the NCSU Men’s Club Volleyball team all four years of his undergraduate studies, serving as co-President during his junior and senior years. In that role, he helped plan and run team practices, further honing his leadership and coaching skills. His first coaching experience came in high school, working as a student-apprentice coach for summer volleyball programs.
Bethel works in procurement for a local aerospace manufacturer and lives in Raleigh with his wife, Emerson Bethel, who is also a Triangle coach.
