Kevin Ulmer comes to Bethel after serving as an assistant coach at Georgetown College (Ky.) for the 2011 season. At Georgetown, Kevin also taught in the kinesiology and health science department.
He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education and health at Northwestern College (Iowa) in 2006 and his master's degree in biomechanics and exercise physiology from the University of Kentucky in 2011.
While studying at UK, Ulmer spent two years completing his thesis study on swing blocking. Ulmer's study was noticed by the director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), Kathy De Boer, and published in their monthly Coaching Volleyball 2.0 online magazine.
"I'm flattered that Kathy and the AVCA thought so highly of my research to publish it," said Ulmer. "My study was the first to statistically quantify the fact that swing blocking does improve block height. We found significant differences in traditional blocking and swing blocking, most notably a 1.7 inch increase in block height, that's incredible!"
Be sure to check out Kevin's article in the November 2011 edition of Coaching Volleyball 2.0.
A certified strength and conditioning specialist, Ulmer served as the strength coach for the Georgetown College (Ky.) volleyball team. He has also been a volunteer strength coach at the University of Kentucky.
"Kevin Ulmer will provide vision and bring new energy to the volleyball program," said Martinez. "After talking with his references and some other contacts, we knew that Kevin was our best choice to be the head coach. We welcome Kevin, his wife Kate, and their daughter Autumn to the Bethel family. Kevin brings great knowledge to the game and will motivate the team to be the best on and off the court."
Prior to arriving as an assistant coach at Georgetown College (Ky.), Ulmer taught in the kinesiology and health promotion department at the University of Kentucky from 2009 to 2011.
Ulmer was the head coach for USA Junior Olympic Volleyball from 2006 to 2009 after serving as the head high school and middle school volleyball coach at Chattanooga (Tenn.) Christian School from 2006 to 2009, leading the team to the district championship and regional tournament for the first time in six seasons. Ulmer was also a teacher in physical education and senior wellness at Chattanooga (Tenn.) Christian High School. He was a student assistant volleyball coach at Northwestern College (Iowa) in 2004.
"First of all, let me express my gratitude to the Bethel family for the hospitality they showed to me and my family," said Ulmer. "We are humbled by God's timing in this process and by his plan for us. After just a few minutes on campus we could tell that Bethel was a very special place. I am very excited by the prospect of coaching such highly motivated student athletes. My hope is that through this season we may continue to express our joy by playing a game we love, showing that team unity and trust can greatly impact the success of a team, and that in all we do To God Be the Glory!"
