Lee Bethea continues an established basketball career joining San Joaquin Delta College as an Assistant Coach in 2017. His coaching reputation began in 2005 at the high school level and is founded on developing student athletes, creating successful game plans founded on his defensive expertise and making sure that academics and personal growth are a focus. Bethea is known for his defensive prowess amid his eleven years as successful basketball player including NCAA National Championship accolades and two years as an international professional athlete.

He was a Delta Mustang under former Delta College and California Community College Coaches Hall of Famer Brian Katz 1998-2000 amassing a 55-13 career record, Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight appearances and a 2000 Delta All-Tournament Team accolade.  Following his career at Delta, under former NBA Bobcats head coach, Mike Dunlap, Bethea earned a full athletic scholarship to Metropolitan State College of Denver assembling a 52-13 record 2000-2002. Metro State knocked off five straight nationally ranked opponents en route to the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship in 2002 topping No. 1-ranked Kentucky Wesleyan with Bethea contributing a solid 19 points. During Metro’s championship season run, Bethea was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference first team all-defense team, second team All-East Division selection and locked in the MSCD 9th all-time single season record with 84 steals. In 2011, Bethea and team were inducted into the Metro State Hall of Fame.

Bethea earned the opportunity to tour with the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters 2003-2005 visiting 26 countries in Europe, all 50 US states and played on 13 NBA courts.

Throughout his years as a youth coach and community leader, Bethea has always emphasized  “student” coming first in student-athlete continually fostering overall individual development, strong sportsmanship, discipline and leadership.

Lee Bethea earned an associate of arts degree from San Joaquin Delta College in 2000, before attaining a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Metropolitan State College in 2002. Bethea and his wife, Aesha reside in Stockton with their two children, Xavier and Amaya. As an avid scratch golfer, Bethea adds