Pete Bother begins his 29th year as Director of Athletics at Nazareth in 2026-27. In that time, Bothner has overseen dramatic growth in a department that now includes 25 intercollegiate sports teams and a club rugby team, equestrian, and dance teams. Through the myriad of changes and additions, Bothner has helped maintain a level of stability.
Among the recent developments under Bothner's watch was the 2019 grand opening of the Golisano Training Center, a 108,000-square foot facility that doubles as a state-of-the-art venue for Nazareth athletics and the Special Olympics. He was also instrumental in bringing the 2025 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships to Nazareth, hosted at the Golisano Training Center. In recent years, Bothner has also overseen the formation of a club team for men's rugby and a Division III team for women's rowing.
Bothner came to Nazareth in 1998 from the University at Buffalo, where he worked in various capacities, including a stint as Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Operations.
A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Bothner has a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Master's degree in Physical Education/Sport Administration from Kent State University.
Since coming to Nazareth, Bothner has served on several committees -- both regional and national. He is current member of the NCAA Managment Council and Monroe County Special Olympics Advisory Board. He was president of the Empire 8 Conference for three years and was a member.
In addition to rowing and rugby, Bothner has spearheaded the additions of several intercollegiate sports, including men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, men's volleyball, women's golf, softball, equestrian, and men's and women's hockey. Bothner also served as the point person when Nazareth hosted national championship tournaments in men's volleyball in 2011, 2013 and 2016.
A native of Olean, N.Y., Bothner joined the athletic staff at the UB in 1989 and assumed the role as Facility Coordinator and Event Operations Manager in 1991. He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director in 1997.
During his tenure at UB, he assisted in reclassifying the athletic program from NCAA Division III to Division I. He also helped coordinate several special events hosted by UB, including the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the ECAC championships for swimming and basketball, and 1993 World University Games.
Bothner lives in Pittsford with his wife Victoria. He has three daughters in Maegan, Savannah and Hannah.
