LINDSBORG -- Ellinwood coach Greg Maxwell returned to Bethany College Oct. 25 to receive the Coach of the Year award during the college’s Alumni and Hall of Honor Awards.

Maxwell played defensive back for four consecutive KCAC football champions from 1993-1996 at Bethany College with an overall record of 34-8. During the visit, Maxwell reconnected with Bethany football coach Ted Kessinger and joined fellow Bethany award recipients for the celebration.

Kansas Hall of Fame and NAIA Hall of Fame inductee Kessinger compiled a 219-57-1 coaching record with 10 playoff trips.

Maxwell was recruited from Lake County High School in Leadville, Colo. Lake County yielded a school record 50 points during a historic 10-1 season in 1991. Hotchkiss, Colo. defeated Lake County 16-14 in a second-round Colorado playoff game.

Maxwell, a 1997 Bethany graduate, coaches volleyball and girls basketball at Ellinwood High School. His teams have reached new heights in both sports, including Ellinwood’s first state tournament victories.

In 2025, Maxwell led the Eagles volleyball team to a perfect 47–0 season and the Kansas Class 2A state championship. The team also won the Central Prairie League title. In girls basketball, Ellinwood finished the 2025–26 season 27–2 and earned the Class 2A state runner-up title, along with a Central Prairie League championship.

Maxwell reached another milestone this fall, earning his 300th career coaching win. He has also coached boys golf, where he guided an Ellinwood team to a Class 2A state runner-up finish.

Bethany’s Alumni and Hall of Honor Awards recognize alumni and athletic leaders whose achievements, leadership and service reflect the college’s values. Maxwell’s coaching success has brought recognition to Ellinwood while helping student-athletes build confidence, teamwork and pride in their school.

The award adds to a memorable year for Maxwell and the Ellinwood community, following a state championship volleyball season and a historic run by the girls basketball team.