Janice Esses has led the Bethany College softball program since 2002.  During her 10 years, the Swedes have amassed over 230 victories, two regular season KCAC championships, a KCAC tournament championship and three NAIA Regional appearances.  Under her direction, Esses has coached 72 All-KCAC players and 34 NAIA All-Scholar Athletes.  

Since 2006, the Swedes have marked six consecutive seasons of 25 or more victories and earned an overall record of 163-118.  Since 2005 the Swedes are 101-51 versus KCAC opponents.  

In 2011, the Swedes finished first in the KCAC receiving top seed in the KCAC tournament. Esses was also named KCAC Co-Coach of the year and received the NAIA Coach of Character award.

Esses earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Bethany College while playing both basketball and softball for the Swedes.  In 2000 and 2001 Esses was awarded first team All-KCAC as a catcher and was selected as the team’s MVP her senior year.