Many Northwestern coaches are alumni. But what brings so many players back to take over as coaches?
I actually coached at two different colleges before coming back to NW. They were both state universities and I much prefer the Christian community that Northwestern provides.
-Kyle Achterhoff – Head Football Coach
I think it tells athletes and recruits that there was something in my experience that I found of value, or I would not be back here. I think it lends to a sense of stewardship and links athletes and coaches together as all sharing a common legacy.
-Nate Wolf – Head Track Coach
I was attracted to being part of something that I saw as successful and appreciated the people that I had the opportunity to work with. What I appreciate the most now is the emphasis on making our athletic programs Christ-centered. I am not sure that was our focus in the 1970s when I was a student here.
-Earl Woudstra – Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Community. It’s not about the buildings. It’s not about wins and losses. It’s not about the size or location of theschool/town. It’s about the community that is fostered during a person’s four years at Northwestern.
-Dan Swier – Head Men’s Soccer Coach
It has allowed me to fulfill a dream.… [Coaching] has allowed me to be part of something I love, but the greatest affect has been the occasional note, call or email 5 or 10 years later thanking me and NW for having expectations and standards that encouraged doing things the right way for the right reason.
-Mark Bloemendaal – Head Men’s Golf Coach
The opportunity to impact and influence men on the wrestling team and future teachers in the classroom are pretty major callings I felt on my life. Both wrestling and teaching have been part of what I feel is a life’s work and it was here I found those passions. The opportunity to influence my athletes and share God’s word and plan is motivational and exciting for me.
-Rik Dahl – Head Wrestling Coach
NW has provided me with a growing experience as a head coach. It has given me the opportunity to work with some of the best coaches in the nation at the NAIA level. There are plenty of opportunities to grow both as a coach and spiritually at NW.
-Blake Wieking – Head Women’s Soccer Coach
