Athletics

Leadership Team

tnichols@linfield.com
(951) 676-8111 ext. 3150

Ty Nichols

High School Principal

Ty Nichols serves as the principal of Linfield Christian High School, where he brings a distinguished background in championship athletics, leadership development, and strategic program building. Prior to joining Linfield in 2024, he built a nationally recognized reputation as an elite basketball coach and program architect whose work consistently produced championship teams, collegiate athletes, and professionals competing at the highest levels of sport.

Mr. Nichols' leadership foundation is rooted in a remarkable record of competitive success and athlete development. Over the course of his career, he helped lead programs to three national championships, including consecutive AAU national championships at the 8th and 7th grade levels. These accomplishments reflect his ability to build high-performing teams from the earliest stages of athlete development while instilling the discipline, accountability, and preparation required for long-term success.

His influence in national basketball extended beyond coaching. Mr. Nichols also served in prominent leadership roles as Director of the Nike National Summer Basketball Championships and Director of the Nike National Top 150 Camp, positions that placed him at the center of elite youth basketball in the United States. In these roles, he worked closely with top prospects, major college programs, and national basketball organizations, gaining deep experience in the operational and developmental systems that define high-level athletics. He also brings NCAA Division I collegiate experience from Liberty University, where he played a key role in recruiting, scouting, player development, scheduling, and team operations. During his tenure, he helped lead a $2.25 million capital campaign supporting the university’s athletic program, further demonstrating his ability to combine leadership, organizational strategy, and program development.

From 2012-2016, Mr. Nichols served as Head Basketball Coach at Sierra Canyon School, where he transformed the program into a nationally recognized powerhouse. Under his leadership, Sierra Canyon won the 2015 California Division V State Championship, captured consecutive Gold Coast League titles, and entered the 2016 season ranked No. 1 in the nation. The program gained national visibility with 12 national television appearances and competed against the country’s top teams, traveling approximately 25,000 miles annually to participate in elite tournaments.

Throughout his career, Mr. Nichols has mentored numerous athletes who advanced to the highest levels of sport and academia. Players he coached have gone on to the NBA, international professional leagues, NCAA championship teams, and prestigious universities (including Yale, Cornell, the University of Pennsylvania, and Amherst College). 

As the principal of Linfield Christian High School, Mr. Nichols applies this same championship blueprint to education and athletics alike. His leadership philosophy emphasizes discipline, preparation, character development, and alignment across the school community. Working alongside a leadership team that includes former players and experienced administrators, he has helped establish a unified vision for Linfield Athletics that prioritizes long-term development, academic excellence, and Christ-centered leadership. 

Matt Curran

Senior Athletic Director

Matt joined Linfield Christian School in 2025 after serving for 16 years in several key administrative roles at the University of Southern California, most recently as Executive Director for Business Planning, Communications, and Trademarks. At USC, he worked closely with the Athletics Department, oversaw the university’s trademark licensing program for branded merchandise, managed USC’s lease of the LA Memorial Coliseum (including partnerships with the LA Rams and Major League Soccer) and led divisional communications efforts.
At Linfield, Matt leads strategic initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience and strengthen the school’s athletics program. His responsibilities include managing the Athletics Office, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and cultivating the mission, vision, and culture of Linfield Athletics. He is passionate about fostering a Christ-centered environment that equips athletes to pursue excellence while building a lasting culture of athletic success.
Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Linfield University and a master’s degree in Marketing from the University of Oregon. A lifelong athlete, he played basketball at Poway High School and at Linfield College, and he has also coached high school basketball for many years.
Matt and his wife, Emily, have three children (all Linfield Lions). Emily is a board-certified pediatrician who practices locally with Children's Primary Care Medical Group in Temecula. In his spare time, Matt enjoys fitness, spending time with family, and following his favorite sports teams - the Green Bay Packers, USC Trojans, and LA Dodgers.
Matt also values the opportunity to make a positive impact on students in a Christ-centered educational environment. His life verse is Romans 5:1–4: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
mcurran@linfield.com
(951) 676-8111 ext. 1425
bwethers@linfield.com
(951) 676-8111 ext. 1351

Brian Wethers

High School Athletic Director

Coach Wethers joined Linfield in 2025 as High School Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, bringing with him a distinguished background as a player, coach, and program leader.
At Murrieta Valley High School, he was a four-year varsity starter, two-time league MVP, and a nationally ranked Top 25 recruit. His exceptional impact on the court led to his jersey being retired - the only jersey ever retired in the valley! He continued his career at UC Berkeley, where he was a four-year starter, earned PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior, and participated in pre-draft workouts with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. Following college, he enjoyed a successful professional career overseas, competing in France, Germany, Ukraine, China, New Zealand, and Australia before playing in the NBA D-League with the Bakersfield Jam in 2008.
Coach Wethers studied Social Welfare at UC Berkeley and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal Baptist University. After retiring from professional play, he founded Wethers Elite Training (WET Basketball), a youth development program focused on skill-building and leadership. His coaching journey has included roles at Calvary Murrieta, Linfield (two previous seasons as head basketball coach), Murrieta Valley High School (assistant and head coach, as well as special education teacher), and UC Riverside, where he served as Director of Basketball Operations for the men’s basketball program.
Guided by his favorite verse, Philippians 3:14, Coach Wethers is committed to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. He is passionate about mentoring student-athletes, building meaningful relationships, and equipping young men and women to use their God-given gifts for His glory.

Bret Underwood

K-8 Director of Athletics & Enrichment

Bret Underwood has served at Linfield since 1997.  He taught and coached at two private Christian schools before coming “home” to Linfield, his own alma mater (’88), where he logged many years as the Middle School athletic director while teaching Math, Geography, PE, and Bible. Throughout those years, he also coached several middle and high school teams. After two years of serving as an assistant principal, he was named Middle School Principal in 2011. Then he rejoined the Athletics team in 2022, where he now oversees the Middle School Athletics program as well as after school enrichment opportunities on both the middle and elementary campuses.

Bret earned his bachelor's degree and credential in Physical Education from Wheaton College, where he also played baseball for two seasons; he also has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. He and his wife (also an alum of Linfield) watched their two children graduate from Linfield as “Lifers” in 2018 and 2022 respectively.
Bret's long tenure at Linfield Christian has given him the opportunity to experience over 30 years of the Lord’s faithfulness in the lives of countless students and families. Linfield continues to provide a place for Bret to advance the school's mission of loving and leading others and to live out his favorite verse - Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
bunderwood@linfield.com
(951) 676-8111 ext. 2253
rminer@linfield.com
(951) 676-8111 ext. 2267

Rachel Miner

Athletics Office Administrative Assistant

Rachel Miner serves as the Administrative Assistant in the Athletics Office, where she plays a vital role in supporting student-athletes, coaches, and families. With strong organizational skills, a team-first mindset, and a lifelong passion for athletics, Rachel helps ensure that Linfield’s athletic programs run efficiently and with excellence throughout the year.
A lifelong Californian, Rachel discovered her love for sports at an early age, quickly finding her passion in softball. She competed across the state during her youth and high school years, earning recognition as one of the top 17 players in the nation and ranking among the top five players in San Diego County for RBIs and home runs. These experiences instilled in her the values of perseverance, teamwork, and leadership, qualities she now carries into her professional role at Linfield.
Rachel is also personally invested in the Linfield community as the proud mother of two students. Her perspective as both a staff member and parent strengthens her passion for serving families and supporting student-athletes in their journey. Known for her warmth, professionalism, and dedication, Rachel takes pride in ensuring communication, scheduling, and logistics are handled with care. Her role reflects not only administrative expertise but also her enduring belief in the power of athletics to shape character, build community, and inspire young people to thrive both on and off the field.

Maddie Madewell

Head Athletic Trainer

Maddie “T-Madz” Madewell joined Linfield in the summer of 2025 as the Head Certified Athletic Trainer, bringing extensive sports medicine experience as a collegiate tennis player and with clinical exposure ranging from high school to Division 1 athletics.

Before joining Linfield, Maddie worked at Liberty University as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for NCAA Division I Football and Men’s Golf. In that role, she collaborated closely with physicians, physical therapists, strength coaches, and other sports medicine professionals to deliver comprehensive care and post-operative rehabilitation for student-athletes. Prior to that, she founded and led the athletic training program for five years at Maranatha Christian School in San Diego. As Maranatha’s first athletic trainer, Maddie developed the athletic training clinic and student program from the ground up, while also teaching Sports Medicine and Health courses, overseeing the Physical Education department, and mentoring students both in and out of the classroom.
Maddie earned a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from the University of La Verne in 2018, graduating magna cum laude and with  departmental honors in Athletic Training. After this degree, she passed the National Board of Certification exam to earn her Athletic Training Certification (ATC). After several years of experience in the field, Maddie returned to school to pursue her master’s degree at Liberty University while working in Division 1 football. In March 2025, she earned a master's degree in Exercise Science & Wellness with an emphasis in Fitness and Human Performance. She also holds training in Mental Health First Aid and is working towards certification as a NASM Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist.
With a heart for ministry, a love for sports, and passion for fitness and health, Maddie brings a deep commitment to excellence as she serves the student-athletes under her care. She views athletic training as more than just injury care; it is a unique platform for ministry and mentorship. Beyond being a healthcare provider, Maddie strives to be a mentor who supports students’ growth through the ups and downs in sport and life.
Outside of work, Maddie enjoys working out, hiking, Spartan racing, reading, and hunting down the best local coffee shops. Her life verse is Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
mmadewell@linfield.com
(951) 676-8111 ext. 4000

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31950 Pauba Road
Temecula, CA 92592

951-676-8111
info@linfield.com
Linfield Christian School is a T.K.-12th grade college-preparatory private Christian school located on a 100 acre campus in Temecula, California.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.