SEWARD, Neb. – On the heels of a successful coaching tenure at Grand Island Central Catholic High School, Brock Culler has been chosen to lead the Concordia Softball program, as announced by the Concordia University Nebraska Athletic Department on Thursday (June 30). Culler is ready to take on the challenge of running a collegiate program after nine years as head coach at Grand Island Central Catholic. Culler recently guided the Crusaders to the Class B state softball tournament for the first time in school history.
Culler replaces Tatum Edwards, who was named the Associate Head Coach at Valparaiso University. Culler felt the time was right to move to the college game and become head coach of a Bulldog Softball program that reached the national tournament as recently as 2021.
Said Culler, “I am very blessed to have this opportunity to be the next Head Softball Coach at Concordia University. I’m very much looking forward to being a part of the family at Concordia. I am also very excited to be able to compete with all the great coaches, players and teams in the GPAC Conference. This is an exciting day for me and my family. I look forward to getting started. Go Bulldogs!”
Director of Athletics Devin Smith had identified Culler as one of the top high school softball coaches in the state of Nebraska. Smith is confident in the abilities Culler has demonstrated as a strong Christian leader.
Wrote Smith in a statement, “Coach Culler is a values-driven, family leader who walks with his faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus as his guide. The campus community will see Bulldog Softball taking another step toward excellence within a program built to thrive. Most importantly, we are excited for our student-athletes as we will see their great work in the classroom continue, be guided to grow deeper spiritually, and compete for titles under Culler’s leadership. Coach brings a sense of peace, optimism, energy and a willingness to build a community around Bulldog Softball. Today is a great day to be a Bulldog as our CUNE family has just added another graceful and grace-filled leader to our campus and community.”
Hired as Grand Island Central Catholic head coach in 2012, Culler produced a nine-year record of 185-100 while guiding his Crusaders squads to four conference championships. After steering GICC to a fifth-place Class B state finish in 2020, Culler was a finalist for Nebraska Class B Coach of the Year honors. As a result of his success over time, Culler was selected to coach in the Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star Game for both 2021 and 2022 – after having been a finalist to coach in the 2019 and 2020 all-star games.
As a high school coach, Culler has had many other irons in the fire. He started and operated the Stingers Softball Club (2010-13) before beginning the ELITE Softball Program that he ran from 2013-19. He also served as Central Nebraska Coordinator/Manager for Prodigy Easton for the past three years. Meanwhile, Culler founded the Mid-Nebraska Softball Clinic, the Director of Heroes Classic 8GG National Invitational Tournament and the Heartland Sports Academy in Grand Island, Neb. Culler has also spent time as a volunteer assistant coach for the Hastings College softball program.
Originally from Cairo, Neb., Culler has lived in Grand Island for the past 25 years. Brock and his wife Jess have four children: Morgan, Kenna, Mikah and Madden.