Ben Boldt became head coach of Concordia University Volleyball in December of 2017. He and assistant coach Angie Boldt (Ben’s wife) have guided the program to back-to-back trips to the final site of the NAIA national tournament. The 2020-21 Bulldogs advanced to the national quarterfinals and finished the season with a No. 8 national ranking. A native of Hickman, Neb., Ben graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was a student coach and manager. Ben and Angie have two children, Brady and Addison.
Q&A with Coach Ben Boldt
Which athlete(s) did you idolize growing up?
Michael Jordan and anyone from Husker Football. Fiona Nepo was the setter for Nebraska Volleyball when I was growing up – I feel like I try to style my game like hers.
Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, LA Lakers.
What is the most memorable sporting event you have attended as a spectator?
1996 Nebraska vs Penn State Volleyball – Regional Final.
Which person/people were most influential in your career choice?
John Cook, Craig Skinner, Angie Boldt.
What is one book you would recommend to others in your profession?
“The Score Takes Care of Itself” – Bill Walsh.
What’s the best coaching advice you’ve received?
Focus on the Process.
What do you find most rewarding about coaching?
The relationship you create with the student athletes is the best part of coaching. To see them grow and mature through their four years is the most rewarding of all.
What has changed the most about the profession since you started coaching?
Coaching is awesome because there is never one way to do anything. We are constantly adjusting to how we can best serve our team. The style of communication has changed a lot since I began – more digital communication happens now. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, either…we just have to continue to figure out how to best connect with the team.
Beyond athletic talent and ability, what is the No. 1 trait you’re looking for in a prospective recruit?
We look for great people who can be a contributing member of the group and keep the needs of the team above the needs of themselves. One of our core values is “Sacrifice” – which means that there will be times that you have to sacrifice what you want to do for the good of the team as a whole.
Name something your own student-athletes have taught you in your time as a coach.
When you give your student-athletes trust and respect, they will give it back to you. I think the old way of the coach-player relationship used to be “I say this, you do this.” I have learned that these student-athletes will run through a brick wall if you give them your trust and respect.
What athletic achievement of your own are you most proud of?
There are a couple. I won two blue ribbons at the Tecumseh Pre-School track meet for the standing long jump and the 100-meter dash. I also had a good homecoming game for Norris High School Football where I had an 80-yard touchdown reception.
How are you most likely spending your free time away from work?
Definitely with my wife and kids. They are super fun!
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
Probably some Valentino’s Pizza and the Val’s Blue Cheese dressing.
What’s your favorite Lincoln (or Lincoln area) restaurant?
That’s a really good question. Chipotle is always a favorite. Bison Witches is really good, too.
Which movie or TV show do you quote from the most?
Anything with Jim Carey, Will Farrell or Vince Vaughn in it.
Where did you go for vacation this past summer?
We went to a resort in Lake Charles, LA, this summer. Also went to Harlan Reservoir out by Alma, NE. We have farmland in Sterling, NE, that is a nice getaway for us, too.
Which social medium (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) do you use the most?
I am not great on social media. I’d say I’m on twitter the most probably. We have a team group on Snapchat that we use to stay in touch with each other.
What genre of music do you prefer?
Anywhere from 60’s to 2000’s Rock.
What was the first car you drove?
1982 Chevy Cavalier. 4-Speed Manual Transmission.
Name a famous person you’ve met.
Scott Frost.
If you had to choose any band or musical artist to perform at Bulldog Stadium, who would you choose?
Justin Timberlake.
What is the No. 1 thing that makes Concordia a special place?
The Christ-Centered community is absolutely what makes this place special.
What is it that keeps you excited about your job as you look ahead to the 2021-22 academic year?
I am looking forward to the evolution of not just our team but all the programs here at Concordia. This is truly a community where we are rooting for each other to get better. Whether that is on the court, the classroom, or any other department on campus. Go Bulldogs!