McKenzie, Tenn. – The Bethel University family is mourning the loss of beloved Bethel Director of Sports Medicine and trainer Suzanne Seat Rezac. After battling illness for over a year Suzanne passed away early Wednesday morning. She just turned 36 this past Monday.
She was a native of Newbern, Tennessee. After an outstanding prep career at Dyer County High School she signed with the Lady Wildcat basketball program. Seat is 4th all-time in assists with 362 as a Lady Wildcat. She graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She also graduated from UTC in 2010 with a Master of Science in Athletic Training. She joined the Bethel Athletic Training staff in August of 2010. She was named Director of the department in August 2017 after the departure of her good friend and mentor, Ty Butler.
According to the press release from Bethel, she touched so many in so many positive ways. She worked with several athletic teams and hundreds of student-athletes as a trainer. Her legacy is not only one of working with these student-athletes in a professional manner but also caring for them personally as a friend and mentor.
Bethel President Dr. Walter Butler summed up the thoughts of the University, “Our hearts are broken this morning as we have learned of Suzanne’s passing. For months she has been in our prayers as she so bravely battled her sickness. Her strength, in the past months, has been an inspiration to everyone that she has touched over the years. Her smile, her kindness, her passion to help others will never leave us. We pray today for her family and her extended family.”
A Memorial for Suzanne will be held on the campus of Bethel at a later date. The date, time and location will be announced when made possible.
Seat is survived by her wife, Kayci Rezac, her twin infants, Slater and Sloane, the Seat family, the Rezac family and all that loved her dearly.
Bethel coaches, staff members and friends shared their feelings and memories about Suzanne.
Baseball Head Coach Rusty Thompson commented, “Not only is this a great loss for her family but also our entire Bethel community. Suz had a soft kindness that made people feel comfortable and cared for. I was fortunate enough to have known her for years now and it’s a terrible loss for everyone who had the pleasure to know her. I pray for her family and loved ones and I know her kids will know as they age what a wonderful person she was. The world was a better place with her in it. May she finally have some peace from pain and sickness. Rest in Peace Suz.”
Tennis Head Coach Derrick Hubble commented, “Suzanne was one of the best people you would ever meet. Even as the head athletic trainer she still went above and beyond her duties. She was always willing to help in all situations. I’m truly grateful of all the life long lessons that Suz gave me. We had many great talks and she was so compassionate about her job and Bethel University. She will be greatly missed in athletics as she has been a huge part since the first time she stepped on campus as a player. She was and is loved by everyone.”
Women’s Head Soccer Coach Misty Aird added, “You will always be part of our BU soccer family! You will be missed”
Head Football Coach Michael Jasper commented, “I am so saddened to hear of the passing of one amazing human being! Suzanne Rezac-Seat, we love and will miss you dearly. Prayers going out her friends and family. We will see you again Suz.”
Associate Sports Information Director and former student-athlete Zach O’Kelley said, “Suz touched the lives of all she came in contact with. She left her mark on each and every student athlete here at Bethel. She will be sorely missed.”
Women’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Nelson who coached Suzanne said, “Suz was a friend, player, colleague and so many things to so many people. Our heart felt condolences go out to her family and friends. Suz had a unique quality of bringing people together. She was always tough, fun, but most of all she was love. She deeply cared for her family, friends, teammates and Bethel University.”
Bethel Sports Information Director Dave McCulley commented, “I feel the thoughts of all those who have commented sum up my thoughts about Suzanne. I did a story back in November on her return to campus. Although I knew she was hurting she was so cheerful and grateful she was back. Her life was one of servanthood and I know God is rewarding her for the life she lived and hugging her with his Grace and love. I pray for Kayci, the young children and her entire family.”
Senior Associate Athletic Director Brad Chappell added, “Suz was liked by everyone that came into contact with her. Her focus was on making sure Bethel student-athletes had the best care possible at all times. We will sorely miss her caring demeanor and positive attitude in the athletic department and on campus. Our only comfort is knowing that she suffers no more.”