Kevin Ulmer named Lady Pilot head volleyball coach

The Bethel College athletic department recently announced that Kevin Ulmer has accepted the position as head volleyball coach. Athletic Director Jody Martinez stated that the Lady Pilots will be officially under the direction of Coach Ulmer on April 1. Ulmer will make the move to Mishawaka from Kentucky, where he was acting as an assistant coach for Georgetown College during the 2011 season. Last fall, the Georgetown Tigers competed in the Mid-South Conference and finished with a record of 20-17. In addition, Ulmer has been no stranger to the NAIA as he attended Northwestern College in Iowa. While there, he attained an undergraduate degree in physical education and health. He also received his master’s degree

from the University of Kentucky in biomechanics and exercise physiology. Ulmer comes to Bethel with teaching experience as well as he taught a number of health classes at Kentucky while earning his master’s degree. Ulmer has acquired a great deal of credentials that have indicated his experience in the sport. He was the head coach of the USA Junior Olympic Volleyball from 2006 to 2009. In addition he won a district championship while coaching middle school volleyball in Chattanooga Tennessee. Ulmer also spent time as the assistant coach at his alma mater, Northwestern College, prior to making the move to Kentucky. It is clear that Ulmer will bring a lot of intensity to this program as his strengths consist of strength and conditioning. He was the strength coach at Georgetown College and volunteer strength coach for the University of Kentucky. Martinez stated that his satisfaction in hiring Coach Ulmer and anxious to see the ways that he will be able to motivate the team in new ways. As the case with any time a new coach is hired, there will be a new feel to the program and a fresh sense of passion. Nevertheless, the Pilots are not looking for a drastic turnaround as Coach Reininga guided the team to an 18-16 record in 2011. Beginning April 1, Coach Ulmer will begin gathering returning players as well as potential recruits as the Lady Pilots prepare for the 2012 campaign.