Athletics Archives - ��ý��Ƶ

New Era for ��ý��Ƶ Tennis as Whitlinger Named Head Coach

Communications — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:58:57 +0000

��ý��Ƶ has named Tate Whitlinger as the new Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach.

Whitlinger brings nearly three decades of teaching, coaching, and leadership experience to the Vikings program and has built a reputation for developing athletes while fostering a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and personal growth. “Tate’s passion for the game and his commitment to developing student-athletes make him an outstanding addition to ��ý��Ƶ Athletics,” said James Downer, Assistant Vice President for Athletics.

Whitlinger has held the role of Head Tennis Professional at Fox Cities Racquet Club since 1999, where he has overseen daily tennis operations and instructed players of all ages and skill levels through private lessons, group instruction, clinics, and competitive training.

Whittlinger has previously served as an Assistant Coach at ��ý��Ƶ, including this past season. His experience also includes serving as the Head Tennis Coach at St. Mary Catholic High School from 2016 to 2025, guiding student-athletes to sectional and state-level competition while emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and character development. In addition, he is a USTA Tournament Director, USPTA Certified Teaching Professional, USPTA Certified Pickleball Teaching Professional, and Safe Play Certified Coach. A highly accomplished tennis player, Whitlinger was a stand-out at Neenah High School, winning three consecutive state team championships while capturing a state doubles title and a runner-up finish in the state singles championship. He went on to play collegiate tennis at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. As a tennis professional, Whitlinger was awarded the USPTA Midwest Men’s Open Player of the Year and later captured the USPTA International Men’s Open Championship while also being named the USPTA Rookie of the Year for the Midwest.

“Throughout his career, Tate has demonstrated the ability to build meaningful relationships, inspire confidence, and create an environment where student-athletes can thrive both competitively and personally,” Downer said. “We are excited to welcome Tate to the ��ý��Ƶ family and look forward to the future of our men’s and women’s tennis programs under his leadership.” Whitlinger will begin his duties in July and will oversee all aspects of the ��ý��Ƶ men’s and women’s tennis programs.

“I am deeply grateful and honored to serve as the Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at ��ý��Ƶ,” Whittlinger said. “To represent such an outstanding institution is a privilege I do not take lightly. I accept this opportunity with gratitude and humility, knowing the responsibility and trust that come with leading this program. My heart beats LU, and I am excited to help grow the tennis program into something truly special. I look forward to learning, growing, and serving alongside our student-athletes while building a culture of excellence, character, and purpose. The future is bright, and I am grateful to be part of the journey.”

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��ý��Ƶ names Chelsea Alt head women’s flag football coach

Communications — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:25:59 +0000

��ý��Ƶ has named Chelsea Alt as the head coach of its newly established Women’s Flag Football program, marking an important milestone in preparations for the team’s inaugural season of competition in spring 2028.��

“We are pleased to welcome Chelsea as our new head coach for the Vikings,” said James Downer, Assistant Vice President of Athletics. “Chelsea brings tremendous energy, a passion for student-athlete development, and a vision for building a competitive program. We look forward to seeing what she will accomplish as she leads the Women’s Flag Football team into its first season.”��

Alt played 12 seasons in professional women’s football leagues, was a five-time all-star, and earned a National and International Championship with the New York Sharks. She has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership, service, and professional excellence, including the 2022 Honorary ESPY Award recognizing her for outstanding achievement and influence on local women’s sports.��

Along with her playing career, Alt brings a wealth of coaching experience to ��ý��Ƶ along with professional experience in public service administration and brand management. Currently, she serves as Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach for Marian University’s women’s flag football program, where she helped build a successful first-year program that achieved a 10–4 record in its inaugural season.��

Alt previously served as assistant coach at Bryant & Stratton College in Wauwatosa, where she was instrumental in the development of the school’s flag football program. While serving as an assistant coach for the College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas, she coordinated a girls flag football event to bring greater visibility to the sport. Similarly, she planned and executed flag football camps for women of all ages and experience levels as an assistant coach for the Women’s Gridiron Foundation in New York.��

In the high school setting, Alt served as assistant coach for boys’ varsity football for the Sun Prairie Area School District and played a pivotal role in establishing a competitive girls’ flag football team from the ground up. And at Stoughton Area School District, she served as head junior varsity soccer coach and assistant varsity football coach.��

“As an Appleton native, stepping into the role of head women’s flag football coach at ��ý��Ƶ is more than an honor— it is a homecoming with purpose,” said newly appointed head coach Chelsea Alt. “Growing up in Appleton, I could only dream of the day where women would be able to coexist and compete in the game of football, especially at the collegiate level. Not only does this opportunity allow me to live out my dreams, it gives me a platform to help young women build their own, transform themselves as individuals, and show the world what we can accomplish, both on and off the football field.”��

Alt earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Service degree with a Management of Criminal Justice concentration from Concordia University Wisconsin.��

In addition to her athletic leadership experience, Alt served as a forensic care coordinator for Lutheran Social Services, where she developed individualized care plans and supported successful community transitions for individuals under the supervision of the Department of Health Services.��

She previously served as an assistant program manager for the Department of Defense in West Point, NY, where she managed several aquatic/fitness locations at the U.S. Military Academy, led staff trainings, such as lifeguard and CPR/first aid courses, and planned recreational and athletic events for the West Point community. Additionally, she is the owner of Ctrl Alt Delete1 Creations, LLC, where she designs marketing and communications materials for clients.��

“I look forward to making a positive impact on the ��ý��Ƶ community, as well as giving back to the Appleton community,” Alt said. “I give thanks to President Carter for spearheading the addition of this amazing sport and providing an opportunity for women everywhere to experience flag football as a ��ý��Ƶ Viking. We’re here to compete with fire, to challenge expectations, and to show that women’s flag football isn’t following anyone’s blueprint, but instead we are creating our own.”��

��ý��Ƶ announced the addition of women’s flag football in April 2026 as part of its ongoing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities. Women’s flag football, one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, helps create new pathways for women to compete at the collegiate level while strengthening our athletics profile and supporting institutional goals. The inaugural season will be in the Spring of 2028.��

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��ý��Ƶ kicks off Level Up project

Communications — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:02:01 +0000

��ý��Ƶ today announced the launch of Level Up, a bold new project to support student health, wellness, and performance.��

The Level Up project features the construction of two new facilities: The Loop, an indoor training center, and The Hub, a fitness, recreation, and practice facility. Today’s Level Up Kickoff Celebration revealed that phase one of Level Up will soon be underway with construction of The Hub set to begin later this month. A construction timeframe for The Loop has not yet been established.��

The Hub is a major renovation project that will transform the lower level of the City Center East building in downtown Appleton into a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center serving the entire campus community, complete with practice facilities for athletics and the music Conservatory.��

“The Hub greatly expands our ability to offer the variety of fitness and recreation options our students want, while providing much-need practice space for athletics and the music Conservatory,” said Chris Clarke, Vice President for Student Life. “More importantly, The Hub will bring students together outside of class with people they might not otherwise encounter any other way, which strengthens the sense of connection and belonging that contributes to students’ overall well-being.”��

Strengthening body, mind, and spirit��

The Hub features 56,000 square feet of fitness, recreation, and practice space that serves a variety of needs for the campus community:��

FITNESS & RECREATION��

9,000 square foot strength training and cardio center��

Three simulator bays with more than 50 games to give students a variety of virtual experiences��

MUSIC CONSERVATORY��

2,000 square foot conservatory practice suite with student lounge and recording studio��

State-of-the-art Wenger practice modules that allow student musicians to simulate a variety of performance environments, with record/playback features that allow musicians to hear their performance objectively and adjust in real-time��

VIKINGS ATHLETICS��

Dedicated fencing training room to rival top-tier competitors��

Cutting-edge batting cages that can track biometrics to provide data-driven feedback to adjust mechanics, timing, and power��

Hockey practice area with synthetic ice where players can focus on skills training, such as stick-handling, puck control, and shooting accuracy��

Supporting the vision��

The space for The Hub in the lower level of the City Center East building in the heart of downtown Appleton was entrusted to ��ý��Ƶ by local business leaders John Pfefferle, Paul Hoffman, and Thomas Janssen, whose transformational gift of property brought the University’s vision for enriching campus health and wellness into focus.��

“The Hub intentionally brings together wellness, athletics, and music, creating an environment that mirrors the way ��ý��Ƶ students live, learn, and grow,” said ��ý��Ƶ President Laurie A. Carter. “This kind of creative, integrative thinking is exactly what today’s world – and job market – demands. The Hub reflects the adaptability, collaboration, and innovation our graduates will need to thrive and to lead in their lives after ��ý��Ƶ.”��

During her remarks at the Kickoff Celebrations, longtime Appleton resident, business leader and ��ý��Ƶ Trustee Kathi Seifert reflected on ��ý��Ƶ’s long history of campus/community collaboration over the decades.��

“The Hub is the latest extension of that shared vision and collective effort,” Seifert said. “Local business leaders placed their trust in ��ý��Ƶ to steward forward their gift of this space to create something exception. The Hub is a bold new step forward for ��ý��Ƶ and our community as well.”��

A space for creativity and connection��

During his remarks at the Kickoff Celebration, head softball coach Korey Krueger ’95 reflected on Virginia Woolfe’s “A Room of One’s Own,” a required text during his student days at ��ý��Ƶ that stuck with him for decades. The book examined the need for an individual to have space and freedom to be truly creative.��

“The Hub will be a shared space for the entire ��ý��Ƶ community to find that creativity, to have a space to create, grow, and thrive,” Krueger said. “The Hub is not just a project that will create a space: it is a project that will create energy, connection, and community – a room of one’s own – for everyone.”��

Practice is a crucial part of developing excellence in any endeavor, said Chris Jenkins, Dean of the ��ý��Ƶ Conservatory, with four to six hours of daily rehearsal being the norm for Conservatory students.��

“With The Hub, we’re leveling up to a new rehearsal space that befits a world-class conservatory,” Jenkins said. “And our students are thrilled at the prospect of having the new practice suite available to help them level up their rehearsals and performances.”��

Joey O’Connor, who is graduating in June with degrees in Trumpet Performance and Music Education, remarked that finding available rehearsal space for the hours of daily practice required by musicians can be a challenge for Conservatory students.��

“The new practice suite at The Hub will be a game-changer for any musician who wants to be able to put in the hard work we know – and embrace – as the fuel to make us the musicians we aspire to be,” O’Connor said.��

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��ý��Ƶ to launch NCAA Women’s Flag Football

Communications — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:34:54 +0000

��ý��Ƶ will launch Women’s Flag Football for the 2027-28 academic year, making it the 12th women’s varsity sport offered at Wisconsin’s #1 small private college.��

Flag Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which added it to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in January. Flag Football also makes its official debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, fielding both men’s and women’s teams.��

“We believe deeply in expanding access to meaningful opportunities that support the whole student experience,” said ��ý��Ƶ President Laurie A. Carter. “As an emerging sport, Women’s Flag Football allows us to respond thoughtfully to the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics while creating new opportunities for women student‑athletes to compete, lead, and thrive. This program will enrich our campus community and strengthen ��ý��Ƶ’s commitment to opportunity, leadership, and student success.”��

A national search for a head coach to lead the newest Vikings team will begin immediately with the intent to have the new coach in place by this fall to lead recruitment and planning for the inaugural season in the 2027-28 academic year. Competition will begin in Spring 2028.��

“The addition of Women’s Flag Football at ��ý��Ƶ reflects our continued commitment to innovation, access, and a holistic student-athlete experience,” said James Downer, Assistant Vice President of Athletics. “This emerging sport creates new pathways for women to compete at the collegiate level while strengthening our athletics profile and supporting institutional goals. We are excited about the opportunity to position ��ý��Ƶ as a leader in one of the fastest-growing sports on the NCAA landscape.”��

Alice A. Gorinshteyn, a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Russian Studies, and Inaya Rivera Rodriguez, a sophomore majoring in Government and Philosophy, were instrumental in establishing Flag Football as a club team at ��ý��Ƶ and look forward to its introduction as the newest Vikings sports program.��

“Flag football becoming a varsity sport at ��ý��Ƶ fills me with excitement, thinking about others getting to experience the energy that comes with it, empowering women to feel strong, confident, and unstoppable,” Gorinshteyn��said.��

Reflecting on her participation in sports growing up, Gorinshteyn said football did not feel like an option for her as a woman athlete.��

“It is so important to make football something that anyone can enjoy and be a part of,” she said. “Flag football, to me, is more than a sport; it is a community. Adding Flag Football to ��ý��Ƶ is not just adding another sport; it is creating another family on campus. It will bring a type of energy on campus that is indescribable.”��

Rodriguez, co-founder of ��ý��Ƶ’s Flag Football Club, looks forward to more women experiencing the empowerment and strength she has felt while playing the sport.��

“For me, flag football has always meant more than just a game,” Rodriguez said. “Back in high school, I was the only girl on my team, and stepping on to that field taught me what it means to be fearless. It showed me that strength does not have to fit one image, and that passion can create space where there once was none. Bringing Flag Football to ��ý��Ƶ means creating that same opportunity for other women. It means giving students a place to challenge themselves, build confidence, and find community through a sport that has the power to make people feel seen. Adding the sport is not just about starting a new team, it is about creating a legacy that shows future generations they belong here too.”��

The new Flag Football team will utilize existing facilities and infrastructure already in place by Men’s Football and other outdoor sports, making it a cost-effective addition to the varsity sports offered at ��ý��Ƶ. It also will help attract a new population of students to campus that can meaningfully impact overall enrollment and retention.��

The addition of a sport that is rapidly growing in both popularly and interest, demonstrates ��ý��Ƶ’s responsiveness to emerging trends in intercollegiate athletics while underscoring its commitment to the Division III philosophy of broad-based participation and student experience.��

“��ý��Ƶ plays a vital role in the growth and vitality of the Fox Valley, and this program is a wonderful example of that impact,” said ��ý��Ƶ Board of Trustees member Kathi Seifert, whose financial gift to ��ý��Ƶ Athletics made it possible to introduce the new program within months of the NCAA’s adoption of Flag Football as an emerging sport for women. “Supporting Women’s Flag Football at ��ý��Ƶ is about more than adding a sport; it is about creating an environment that builds self‑confidence, teamwork, and resilience, and affirms that women belong in every arena. I’m grateful to play a small role in helping the university expand access for women student‑athletes and build an even stronger future.”��

With the addition of Flag Football, ��ý��Ƶ now offers 12 varsity sports for women: Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball. The University offers 11 varsity sports for men: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, and Track & Field.��

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Student Miles McCue ’27 finds purpose, not perfection

Communications — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:20:48 +0000

For ��ý��Ƶ student Miles McCue ’27, success isn’t about finding perfection; it’s about finding purpose. As a scholar-athlete, campus leader, and mentor, McCue embodies a mindset rooted in self-discipline and genuine connection.��

“I always want to be a positive example for others,” McCue said. “At first, it is easy to get into your own head and think that everything must be perfect since you are considered a leader, but that is far from the truth. Nobody is perfect, and there is only so much you have control over. I have developed the skill of only focusing on the things I can control, for example, my attitude, work ethic, and how I treat my teammates and peers.”��

As a dean’s list biochemistry major with a minor in Spanish, McCue devotes himself to his academic studies while taking on several leadership roles across campus. He’s an orientation leader, EPIC mentor, assistant captain of the men’s hockey team, co-president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), and an on-campus tutor.��

McCue understands the value of being organized. His success doesn’t come by chance; he’s intentional about what he focuses on each day.��

“I have become a Microsoft Outlook Calendar professional, or at least I like to think so,” McCue said. “Every activity that I am planning to do goes on my calendar. That way, I can look and see what is going on during the day, so I stay focused and thinking about the right things throughout the day.”

The Monument, Colorado, native came to ��ý��Ƶ because he wanted to be challenged in the classroom and as a hockey player. This pursuit of athletic and academic excellence has given him a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Finding joy in the work��

“I have genuine happiness when I am on the ice, when I am an orientation leader, in the classroom, and more,” he said. “It is a blessing to be involved in things that you enjoy doing. It makes it easy to find ways to dedicate time and stay focused on them!”

As a peer mentor, McCue credits his ability to relate to others through his own humanity and experiences as the key to success. Through his openness and authenticity, he’s able to connect with others in a meaningful way.��

“I think it is important to be relatable to the people around you. Sometimes when you are in the position of being a mentor, it is easy to try and portray that your life is perfect and you have all this incredible wisdom, but we all know that isn’t the case,” McCue said. “The biggest thing I try to do when working with others is relate to them. I look to share experiences and things that I have gone through to relate and show them that I am not perfect, and we are all living and working through life together.”��

McCue credits the extraordinary people, resources, and campus culture at ��ý��Ƶ for helping him develop into the best version of himself and preparing him for the career and life he aspires to have.��

“I am hoping to get into medical school,” McCue said. “From there, I want to continue learning and growing as a student and leader on the journey to becoming a practicing physician. ��ý��Ƶ has been instrumental in helping me prepare for my life ahead.”

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��ý��Ƶ Names Alumnus Dan Galante ’87 as Head Football Coach

Communications — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:02:20 +0000

��ý��Ƶ Director of Athletics Jason Imperati announced today that Daniel “Dan” Galante ’87 has been named the next Head Football Coach of the Vikings. A ��ý��Ƶ Athletics Hall of Famer with more than three decades of coaching and recruiting experience across the Midwest, Galante returns to his alma mater to lead the next era of Viking Football.��

“We are thrilled to welcome Dan back to ��ý��Ƶ,” Imperati said. “His belief in this institution, proven experience developing student-athletes, and deep recruiting network make him the right leader for our program. Dan understands ��ý��Ƶ at its core, and he brings the passion, energy, and vision needed to move Viking Football forward.”��

Galante arrives with a distinguished career that spans college and high school football, enrollment management, and program building. His impressive coaching résumé includes 16 years as head football coach and director of admissions at Saint Patrick High School in Chicago, where he became the longest-tenured coach in school history and led the team to eight playoff appearances and a conference championship.��

His college coaching experience includes serving as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at North Park University, where he helped restructure the defensive system and supported all aspects of football recruiting. Galante also served on staff at Northwestern University as a graduate assistant, contributing to defensive operations and recruiting evaluation.��

Dan Galante ’87, ��ý��Ƶ’s head football coach

“It is an incredible honor to return home to ��ý��Ƶ,” Galante said. “This place shaped me as a student-athlete and as a person. I believe deeply in the mission of the University and in the potential of Viking Football. I’m excited to work with our student-athletes, reconnect with alumni, and build a program that represents ��ý��Ƶ with pride, toughness, and excellence.”��

A respected recruiter, Galante brings decades of established relationships with coaches, families, and prospective student-athletes across Illinois, Wisconsin, and the greater Midwest. His background in both coaching and admissions provides him with a strong understanding of how to identify and recruit student-athletes who can thrive academically and athletically at a top-tier liberal arts institution like ��ý��Ƶ.��

“Dan’s return to ��ý��Ƶ is a homecoming that reflects our commitment to excellence and tradition as we build our future,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “His experience, leadership, and deep connection to ��ý��Ƶ will inspire our student-athletes and alumni.”��

Galante graduated cum laude from ��ý��Ƶ in 1987 with a degree in history and classics. He starred for the Vikings from 1983–86, earning first-team All-Midwest Conference honors four times, only the second player in ��ý��Ƶ history to do so, and becoming the only player in program history to be named a four-time All-American. A team captain in 1986, Galante anchored a nationally ranked defense in 1985 and remains one of the most celebrated athletes in ��ý��Ƶ football history. He also holds a Master of Science in Education with a focus in higher education administration from Northwestern University.��

As head coach, Galante will lead all aspects of the football program, including player development, staff leadership, recruiting strategy, and alumni engagement. He will immediately begin preparations for the 2025-26 recruiting cycle, with a focus on strengthening ��ý��Ƶ’s presence in key recruiting regions and building strong relationships with prospective student-athletes who exemplify the University’s academic rigor and values.��

“��ý��Ƶ Football has an incredible history and a bright future,” Galante added. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this program, and I can’t wait to get started.”��

Galante succeeds Adam Gonzaga, who led the Vikings for one season. ��ý��Ƶ thanks Coach Gonzaga for his contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavors.��

Galante will begin his duties immediately as ��ý��Ƶ prepares for the upcoming season.��

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A voice for the Vikings, Joe Vanden Acker retires after 25 years of service

Communications — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 22:04:21 +0000

For 25 years, ��ý��Ƶ Athletics has been guided by the steady hand, voice, and dedication of Joe Vanden Acker. Known to generations of Vikings simply as “JVA,” he has served as Sports Information Director since 1999, leaving a legacy of professionalism, passion, and care that will be felt for years to come.

“It’s a rare person who is immediately identifiable by a singular name,” said Jamie Reeve ‘95, co-chair of the Vikings Athletics Advocacy Council. “And rarer yet are individuals known simply by their initials. Typically, only celebrities and politicians are identified by a singular moniker. But for the last quarter-century at ��ý��Ƶ, every Viking knows JVA instantly.”��

Students didn’t call Vanden Acker by his legal first or last name. They knew him as JVA, and his office always had an open door for students to come in and talk. Over his tenure, he mentored several scholar-athletes and colleagues.

��“I’ve never met someone who cares so much about each individual person and detail, all while bringing a positive attitude to everyone he meets,” said Erica Grube, Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete. “Words can’t describe how much we are going to miss seeing him around the athletic department every day or hearing his voice on the broadcast.”

Joe Vanden Acker served as the “Voice of the Vikings” for three varsity sports: hockey, baseball, and softball.

��ý��Ƶ is rooted in values of belonging, respect, integrity, and sustainability, and Vanden Acker exemplified what it means to live out those values and nurtured a culture of belonging for scholar-athletes to thrive.��

“He set the tone for our culture in many ways,” said Jason Imperati, Director of Viking Athletics. “JVA reminded us that every student-athlete matters, and every story deserves to be told. That belief has motivated generations of Vikings because they knew their efforts would never go unnoticed. Even on the hardest days, he made sure ��ý��Ƶ Athletics looked and felt like it belonged.”

A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence

From championship moments to quiet midweek contests, Vanden Acker was there to capture the story. He wrote thousands of recaps, logged every statistic, and ensured that the work of ��ý��Ƶ student-athletes and coaches was recognized and remembered. He built websites, designed publications, managed broadcasts, and served as the voice behind Viking athletics for more than two decades.

“JVA embodies everything that is great about our department,” said Jason Fast, Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Athletic Director. “Through every step of my coaching career, he’s been there to support my teams and me. His love for sports and ��ý��Ƶ Athletics always came through in his writing. His hard work made the athletic experience for thousands of student-athletes a great one. He is truly one of the best to ever do this job.”

Joe Vanden Acker accepted the Midwest Conference Meritorious Service Award in late 2024 and the College Sports Communicators (CSC) 25-Year Award in 2025.��

Vanden Acker’s dedication to athletic events, attention to detail, exceptional recall ability, and care for others cultivated trusting relationships with everyone he met.��

“He’s dutifully reported wins and losses as well as human-interest stories of the teams and athletes,” Reeve said. “Across the multiple conferences in which LU competes, JVA is a giant and a font of knowledge. His recall for detailed stats evidences his keen memory. But more importantly, his personality reflects his genuine interest in others. While he loves to recall the glory days, he’s just as keen to ask about life after ��ý��Ƶ to learn how the world is made a better place by Vikings after graduation. Simply put, JVA cares.”��

An Impact of Care and Mentorship

Vanden Acker’s greatest impact came from the relationships he forged. Coaches trusted him to present their programs with care, athletes appreciated the recognition he gave to every contribution, and alumni valued his perspective and willingness to support others. He built lasting bonds with student-athletes, parents, and colleagues, becoming not only a chronicler of Viking history but also a mentor and friend.��

“Future students may not realize how much of what they experience was built by JVA, but they will benefit from it. From the records he preserved, the traditions he carried forward, and the example he set for what it means to care about people,” said Jason Imperati. “His legacy will continue to echo through this department for years to come.”

As Vanden Acker retires from his role as Sports Information Director, he’s celebrating more than a career. As a celebrated colleague who gave ��ý��Ƶ Athletics his voice. His dedication, heart, and influence will remain woven into the history of Viking athletics, and his presence will continue to be felt in the community he helped shape.

“JVA has been one of the most important people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside during my time at ��ý��Ƶ,” said Jason Imperati. “From my very first conversations here, he gave me perspective and honesty that I’ve come to rely on. My favorite memories are the conversations we’ve had; the level-headed advice and his ability to see things clearly, which grounded me more times than I can count.”

��ý��Ƶ and Athletics extend deep gratitude to Joe Vanden Acker for 25 years of service, stories, and care.��

“On behalf of Athletics Alumni, we applaud your commitment to ��ý��Ƶ and our Vikings. We are grateful for keeping us all informed of the wins and losses,” said Reeve. “As the vanguard of our Hall of Fame, you ensure athletics excellence is highlighted and institutionalized forever. You embody the best of what LU offers our student-athletes. Thanks for being its biggest fan and consummate cheerleader.”

Vanden Acker’s plan for retirement is to cheer on his daughter, Anna, a scholar-athlete in her senior year at ��ý��Ƶ. Vanden Acker’s daughter, Anna, is majoring in Business & Entrepreneurship and English Literature. In her final year competing within ��ý��Ƶ’s tennis and track program, Vanden Acker will cheer her on at various meets and MWC tracks as a fan of ��ý��Ƶ athletics.��

(Left to right) Julie, Anna, and Joe Vanden Acker

“It has been so special for me to share my time at ��ý��Ƶ with my dad. He is the hardest worker I know, and everything he did was completed with the best attention to detail and dedication,” Vanden Acker’s daughter, Anna, said. “I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work side by side with him. I am sure many other students will relate to having long conversations with him that made them laugh, taught them something new, or left them feeling happier than they were before.”

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Adam Gonzaga named coach of ��ý��Ƶ football: ‘First thing for me is constructing a culture’

Communications — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:18:56 +0000

Adam Gonzaga is the new leader of the ��ý��Ƶ football team. ��ý��Ƶ Director of Athletics Jason Imperati announced today the hiring of Gonzaga as the 30th head coach in the program’s long and storied history.

“We’re excited to welcome Adam as our new head football coach,” Imperati said. “Throughout the search process, Adam stood out with his professionalism, strong presence and clear vision for building a competitive and accountable program. With over 30 years of college coaching experience and a proven track record of success, he’s a great fit for ��ý��Ƶ and the future of Viking football.”

Gonzaga��comes to ��ý��Ƶ from Midwest Conference rival Lake Forest College where he served as the team’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator this past season. The Foresters won the 2024 Midwest Conference championship and played in the NCAA Division III playoffs.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity,” Gonzaga said. “When Lake Forest played at ��ý��Ƶ last season, one of the thoughts that crossed my mind was, ‘Could I coach here?’ My next thought was this is pretty sharp.”

Gonzaga loved the setting of the Banta Bowl and the atmosphere around the game on a crisp fall afternoon.��

“I was��kind of blown away by that,” Gonzaga said. “When the job opened, I have a relationship with a couple of former football players at ��ý��Ƶ. When I was talking about it with them, they said, ‘You have the chance to come and do something special, flip the script.’��Thinking about that��and my experience here in October, I’m going��to pursue this and share my vision.”

Meeting with President Laurie Carter during the interview process also provided Gonzaga��with added desire to make ��ý��Ƶ his new football home.��

“I’m very excited, very honored that President Carter and Jason (Imperati) took an interest in me and supported my vision,” Gonzaga said. “My��thinking was how I could change the landscape of ��ý��Ƶ��University��football, get the spear pointed in the right direction.”

A native of the San Francisco Bay area, Gonzaga��brings three decades of college coaching experience to ��ý��Ƶ.

Gonzaga started his college coaching career as a recruiting intern for the football recruiting department of legendary head coach Bill Walsh at Stanford University in 1992.��

After working as an assistant during the 1990s, Gonzaga��moved up to the position of defensive coordinator at Greenville College in 1999. During his two seasons there, Greenville won the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship in 1999 and made an appearance in the Victory Bowl in 2000. He then served as assistant��linebackers coach at the United States Naval Academy for the 2001 season.

Gonzaga coached at the NCAA Division II level for five seasons at Northwood University where he served as defensive coordinator while the team enjoyed great success. During his time at Northwood, Gonzaga’s teams went to the NCAA Division II playoffs for three consecutive seasons (2004, 2005 and 2006). Northwood��won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in 2004 and finished eighth in the final national rankings that year. Northwood was ranked 10th nationally at the end of the 2005 season. Gonzaga coached four defensive players at Northwood that went on to play professionally in either the NFL or CFL. He coached five All-Americans, 10 first-team all-conference players and three GLIAC Defensive Players of the Year.

Enjoying great success from the Division I to Division III level over the next few seasons, Gonzaga went back to NCAA Division II and coached at Saginaw Valley State University from 2014-18. He served as defensive coordinator and also coached the secondary and linebackers. During his time with the Cardinals, he coached three All-Americans and one Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Gonzaga’s defenses were among the nation’s best in total defense at Saginaw Valley State.��

Gonzaga��later joined the staff at Lake Forest as associate head coach before being tabbed to guide the program at ��ý��Ƶ.

“The��first thing for me is constructing a culture,��developing the core values of our football program,” Gonzaga said. “Getting that definition of what is a ��ý��Ƶ man and then defining the Viking way, the way we go about doing things. …��The goal is to be better tomorrow��than we were the day before.��We want to have a steady progression of development.”

A defensive back during his playing days, Gonzaga��competed at San Joaquin��Delta College, the University of the Pacific and Asuza Pacific University. He graduated from Asuza Pacific in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

Football is one of the oldest athletic teams at ��ý��Ƶ with the start of the program dating to 1893. The Vikings have captured 22 conference titles, 16 Midwest Conference and six in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association.��ý��Ƶ was the first Midwest Conference team to compete in the NCAA Division III playoffs, and the Vikings were the first Midwest Conference team to win a NCAA Division III playoff game when they defeated the University of Minnesota-Morris��in 1981. ��ý��Ƶ also is the only school in the Midwest Conference to have a player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (running back Scott Reppert in 2003).

��ý��Ƶ opens the 2025 season on September 6 when the Vikings host Martin Luther College on Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl.��

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Champion diver Jackson Bertman brings team approach in and out of the pool

Communications — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:09:14 +0000

��ý��Ƶ junior Jackson Bertman, a standout diver on the swimming and diving team, keeps his focus on team success even while piling up individual accolades, including being named Midwest Conference Diver of the Year for the third straight year.��

��“Diving is individual, but all my points go toward the entire team,” Bertman said shortly after another successful season in the pool came to a close. “When you get up there, all divers turn into one team. Everyone is cheering each other on. Every dive, we are screaming for each other.”��

Jackson Bertman

The springboard diver from Alexandria, Virginia, knew from early on that he wanted to compete in college and quickly fell in love with the team culture at ��ý��Ƶ.��

“I wanted to take my diving to the next level,” Bertman said, noting how important consistency, weight training, and team dedication is to his college experience. “My initial visit to ��ý��Ƶ blew me away. Everyone was super welcoming, and all I could think was, ‘They really want me to come here…and I really want to come here, too.’”��

He has been a model of consistent excellence since stepping on campus. In the recent conference championships, Bertman swept the 3-meter and 1-meter diving titles while breaking both ��ý��Ƶ records.

“I couldn’t stop smiling,” Bertman said. “I was having so much fun that when I got out of the water and I broke the record, I thought, ‘I just want to keep going’.”��

Jackson Bertman on coming to ��ý��Ƶ: “I wanted to take my diving to the next level.” (Photo by Paul Wilke)

He has been equally driven in the classroom.��

Bertman is coordinating with multiple departments to create a self-designed major in classical civilizations. He credits several professors for making this possible, including Randall McNeill, the Ottilia Buerger Professor of Classical Studies and associate professor of classics, Danielle Joyner, associate professor of art history, and Ingrid Albrecht, the David and Julia Uihlein Professor of Ethics and associate professor of philosophy. The major focuses on classical culture, a passion he has had since he was young.��

Bertman intends to go to graduate school to continue his studies, and he hopes to eventually teach in a Classics Department. In addition, he wants to continue to coach divers at the high school level and above, as he believes that you truly come to appreciate your sport once you see it through a coach’s perspective.��

Bertman said he takes the team approach to everything he does on campus, from the classroom to student organizations. He serves as the social media manager for the ��ý��Ƶ Rock Climbers Club and competes on an intramural volleyball team.��He’s having fun every step of the way.

Bertman advises all college athletes to focus on the enjoyment of their sport first because, “You never know when it will be your last time.” This is the approach he will continue to take into his senior year.��

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Lacrosse is here: Excitement builds as ��ý��Ƶ debuts new men’s, women’s programs

Communications — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:15:48 +0000

��ý��Ƶ men’s and women’s lacrosse athletes are soaking up every moment as they launch new varsity programs.��

“I have been playing lacrosse since my sophomore year of high school,” said Dejah Phillips, a junior from Atlanta who is a member of the ��ý��Ƶ women’s team that is set to debut their inaugural season on March 12. “I fell in love with the sport and even tried to create a club here at ��ý��Ƶ my first year. I was super excited when they teased that they were going to be starting the new program, and I quickly wanted to know everything about it.”

Sena Hasegawa, a first-year athlete, handles the ball in practice for the women’s lacrosse team. (Photo by Danny Damiani)

You’ll find similar energy with the men’s lacrosse team, which debuted Feb. 23 against Trine University and notched their first win on March 9 ().

“What’s exciting about launching a new program is that we get to build a new culture and start something new within the ��ý��Ƶ environment,” said Zak Sokolowski, a first-year student from Wales, Wisconsin, who is one of the men’s team captains.

As it is with all new programs, there will be growing pains. But building something from scratch and setting the table for a new generation of ��ý��Ƶ student-athletes is an exciting opportunity.��

��ý��Ƶ Director of Athletics Jason Imperati first announced the addition of both men’s and women’s lacrosse to ��ý��Ƶ’s varsity sports lineup in early 2023. The sport, exploding in popularity in the Midwest, provides additional opportunities for Lawrentians to compete—��ý��Ƶ’s roster of teams now stands at 24. In the two years since, coaches have been hired— for the men and for the women—and the teams and recruited their initial rosters.

Phillips has loved seeing it all come together. She is one of 20 student-athletes on the women’s roster.

“I am hoping to just have fun with the sport and for it to be a reminder as to why I’ve fallen in love with playing in the first place,” she said. “Lacrosse was a great space that I enjoyed investing time in, and I loved reflecting on my growth as a player and as a teammate, which further affected how I interacted in my personal life.”��

2024 was a busy year for both programs. The coaches not only pushed to bring in new recruits, but they also held tryouts for student-athletes already on campus.��

Zadroga is thrilled at the opportunity to build a men’s program from the ground up. As a former player on a developing team, he brings important experience to the job.��He has 28 student-athletes on his roster, 23 of them first-year students.

“Building culture, battling through adversity, and experiencing firsts builds relationships and a legacy that lasts a lifetime,” Zadroga said. “That is what we are looking to do here at ��ý��Ƶ.”��

While the program is new, Zadroga has high expectations for his student-athletes.

“The goals we have as a program is to be great men on campus and in the community, build deep relationships with each member of the program, overachieve every day, and, most importantly, bring our light wherever we are,” he said.��

Morhac also has been hard at work to get his women’s team ready for their first season.��

“I would say that anytime you can be a first in anything, it is special,” Morhac said. “This year is really about getting our name out there, being competitive within our conference, and getting a lay of the land to see how we stack up in our region.”

Morhac previously coached at Notre Dame College, a NCAA Division II institution near Cleveland, Ohio. The St. Norbert College graduate is now excited to create history at ��ý��Ƶ.��

“My hope for the players is that they learn a lot from me and each other to better themselves on and off the field while creating a bond through lacrosse,” Morhac said. “It should be a fun year with a lot of growth.”��

The women’s team has the advantage of several dual-sport athletes on its roster, including senior Beth McArthur of Etobicoke, Ontario, who serves as one of the captains on the women’s hockey team. The women’s hockey team is the most recent new entry to ��ý��Ƶ Athletics, debuting in 2021. McArthur is excited to be part of a new program once again, considering the experience a special privilege.

“I am looking forward to playing another college season with my friends and starting a legacy for this new program,” she said.

Women’s basketball senior Lydia Lueck of Long Grove, Illinois, can’t wait to play one final season of college sports and challenge herself in new ways with lacrosse.��

“It’s exciting that we get to set a foundation and culture for the future of ��ý��Ƶ lacrosse,” she said.��

It’s all about setting the tone, then building on it in years to come.

“It’s exciting being part of launching a new program because we are making history in everything we do,” said junior Emma Perry of Beverly, Massachusetts.

��ý��Ƶ is about to learn what lacrosse is all about. For many on campus, it’s a new sport, a new experience. Home games will be played at Banta Bowl—the first for the men’s team on March 15 vs. Northland College and the first for the women’s team on March 29 vs. Edgewood College.

“We are ready to compete and grateful for this opportunity to create tradition in this first season,” Zadroga said.��

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