We asked the 2022-23 class of freshmen – and they answered. As asked in a profile form survey, the newest Bulldogs provided reasons why they chose to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at Concordia. Below is a sampling of those responses, which cited reasons such as quality coaches and professors, facilities, the Christ-centered atmosphere at Concordia and more.
LaCole Anno, Cheer
The community. I fell in love as soon as I walked in through the doors. This was the school and campus I felt the most comfortable at. I love the coaches and my teammates.
Deleesi Bartling, Softball
I chose to attend Concordia because it is a very welcoming and family-based community. The coaches and all staff stood out to me as being very dedicated and invested in their students’ success, which I look forward to experiencing on the field and in the classroom.
Nathan Bash, Football
Concordia’s campus really stood out to me and I felt that the coaching staff was really knowledgeable and very nice.
Kyra Becker, Cross Country/Track & Field
I love the friendly atmosphere from everyone and how likeminded everyone is. I also know that this is a place I can learn and grow in my career and grow as a person and in my faith.
Hannah Beintema, Cross Country/Track & Field
My Christian faith is the most important thing to me, and Concordia University upholds the same values I do. I also was impressed with the friendliness of the attending students, and I like the size of the campus.
Megan Belt, Women’s Basketball
Loved the values, coaching staff, and campus.
Jessie Bestenlehner, Softball
Art program and loved the beautiful campus – also the softball program.
Raymetrius Benally, Football
Loved the way the coaches cared a lot about their players.
Tristan Brandt, Baseball
Really nice community, great coaching and close to home.
Aaron Brost, Men’s Basketball
Faith-based atmosphere, great coaching staff, winning culture.
Easton Cooper, Baseball
I chose Concordia because I really enjoyed the conversations I had and connections I made with the professors there. I felt comfortable on Concordia's campus and liked the smalltown feel.
Brevin Damrow, Football
I loved how the campus and community felt like home and I really enjoy the coaching staff and the family feel I didn't quite get from other colleges.
Logan DeCoste, Football
I chose to attend Concordia because I loved how beautiful the campus was and how friendly it was.
Ryleigh Flesner, Dance
I came to tour in October of 2021, and absolutely loved the environment. When I was accepted, something clicked and I knew that it would be the right decision.
Mason Fortney, Football
Concordia had a lot of values that lined up with that of what my high school coaches had instilled in me. I felt a strong connection with the coaching staff right away at Concordia and saw myself being here for the next four years.
Hugo Fuentes, Tennis
Because they have everything that I was looking for in a college and it's a great opportunity for me.
Kierstynn Garner, Women’s Soccer
Close to home, good soccer program, small class size, high percentage of job placement after graduation, cute campus.
Payson Gillespie, Men’s Basketball
Felt like a family/winning culture. Coaching staff fit my personality, and ability to get the degree that I was looking for.
Hannah Haertel, Cross Country/Track & Field
Because of the community feel on campus and all the kind, loving and welcoming staff and students. My track and XC coach also made a big impact on my decision to sign with Concordia because his love for Jesus is so deep and shines so bright. And the girls on the track team are amazing and they live for Jesus in all they do, and I want to be surrounded in a community like that!
Laci Havlat, Cross Country/Track & Field
The Christian based atmosphere and small community both played a huge role in my decision when choosing Concordia University.
Rylee Kara, Lifting Sports
I feel that CUNE presents me with the best opportunity to accomplish my dreams with both my studies and athletics while providing me with an amazing environment to thrive in and have fun!
Ashley Keck, Volleyball
I love the small environment and the faith-based education. Coming from Kearney Catholic, faith was a big priority of mine which is why Concordia fit me perfectly. I’m really excited to be coached by Ben and Angie – they seem like a very good duo, and they know what they’re talking about.
Lance Kiango, Men’s Soccer
Christ-centered lifestyle, high quality Christian education, opportunities for daily chapel, great community, and the opportunity to play college soccer.
Jacob Kucera, Baseball
Great coaching staff and baseball program and fun community.
Leighton Limback, Men’s Basketball
Heritage and it’s been my childhood.
Isaiah Malison, Baseball
The tight-knit community along with excellent academic/athletic programs.
Alyssa Marotz, Cross Country/Track & Field
I loved the small, family type atmosphere I saw when I was on campus. Everyone seemed to know each other and care about each other.
Molli Martin, Volleyball
Great athletic and academic program and it just feel like home. The volleyball was also very inviting and felt like family.
Hayley Miles, Track & Field
I chose Concordia because I'm drawn to the faith and family-like environment I've seen here. The positive support and encouragement to grow in our faith, in athletics, and in the classroom is something that means a lot to me for my college experience. I'm excited for an education that will push me to grow as a whole person.
Josi Noble, Track & Field
Coach Beisel has such a passion for what he does. He not only cares how you are doing physically but mentally and spiritually as well. He sees more to you than just times and marks. The atmosphere that has been created on the track team is something that I have always dreamed about. Everyone supports each other like one big happy family.
Justin Otten, Men’s Basketball
Great facilities and a welcoming coaching staff and teammates.
Collin Reetz, Football
They were the best college talking to me and the coaches were the best at communicating with me. They were the only coaches that made me feel like they wanted me to attend their school.
Brock Rogers, Men’s Golf
Felt like home and a place I wanted to spend my next four years at. I also know a lot of people that go there and have loved it.
Grant Rohde, Track & Field
It is a great Lutheran school and a very welcoming community.
Adrianna Rodencal, Track & Field
Amazing facilities, coaches, teachers and students. Applying God in all areas and helping everyone in any way they can.
Paige Roiger, Shooting Sports
I chose to come to Concordia because this school came very recommended from my past teachers that have gone here. This school also gave me the best and most opportunities out of all the schools I looked at.
Myles Sadd, Track & Field
I like the feel of a small school and the atmosphere was great. The track coaches made me feel at home.
Kyla Schleusener, Track & Field
After touring over 20 colleges, I knew exactly what I was looking for in a private college. Once I had spoken with different professors in my field and the track coach, I knew that the faculty and staff were truly dedicated to their students’ well-being both spiritually and mentally.
Kya Scott, Volleyball
Coaches were so welcoming and it felt like home right away.
Jaden Seier, Football
I chose to attend Concordia because when I took my visit there, it just felt like home. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel comfortable even on my first day visiting campus. I also wanted a faith-based post-secondary education.
Carter Seim, Football
Great relationship with all the coaches and it felt like home!
Savannah Shelburne, Volleyball
The school is small enough where I can get a good connection with professors and have them get to know me as a student. Also, the volleyball team’s success in the past, and the coaches who have kept building their program to be successful.
Destiny Shepherd, Women’s Basketball
The atmosphere, coaching staff and close to home.
Jackson Simmon, Baseball
I wanted to come to a winning environment and be able to contribute to winning a championship.
Earnie Snyder, Baseball
It is a Christian School with a strong academic environment. I also get to play baseball at the collegiate level. As soon as I walked onto campus it felt like home. The environment on campus is so positive and heartwarming.
Gretchen Stottlemyre, Track & Field (transfer)
I chose Concordia because of the Lutheran affiliation as well as the Christian atmosphere of the school. My sister, Elizabeth Stottlemyre, went to CUNE her senior year and loved the track team and the school itself. After talking to both track coaches and seeing their dedication to Christ and their athletes, I wanted to be part of the program. I also am majoring in elementary education, and I know that CUNE has an outstanding education program.
Sadie Sunday, Softball
I love how everyone supports everyone.
Willavena Tokporo, Women’s Basketball
The culture and the environment I felt when I came and visited and when I attended camp. It really showed and confirmed that Concordia University is really a place of togetherness and community.
Kristin Vieselmeyer, Women’s Basketball
I chose Concordia because it is a faith based environment with good people and educational and athletic opportunities.
Katelyn Welker, Shooting Sports
I chose Concordia because I liked how the shooting program was being run and I loved the campus when I visited. I knew it was where I needed to be.
Tommy Wentz, Wrestling
Fantastic campus with great programs.
Jaxon Weyand, Men’s Basketball
The campus is beautiful, and I really enjoyed how the coaching staff recruited me.
Katie Wilson, Cheer
I really love Concordia's campus and the home-like feel. When I met the cheer coaches at Concordia, I loved their energy and I knew I would have a lot of fun on the cheer team with them.
Tristan Wittwer, Baseball
During my first visit I fell in love with the atmosphere on campus and have heard nothing but good things since.