MISHAWAKA, Ind. — The Bethel University Athletic Department is heartbroken to announce that former women’s volleyball head coach Kevin Ulmer passed away Tuesday afternoon after a long battle with cancer. Kevin was 41 years old and was surrounded by his family, including his wife, Kate, and their three beautiful daughters.
“Kevin was a big part of our campus community and athletic family,” said Bethel Athletic Director Tony Natali. “He had a powerful impact for Christ on so many of our student-athletes and while we are devastated for his loss, we celebrate a life well lived. We ask that you join us as we lift up Kate and his three daughters to the Lord in this incredibly painful time,” added Natali.
Kevin guided the women’s volleyball program from 2012 to 2016 after serving as an assistant coach at Georgetown College (Ky.). He then moved on to Bemidji State University (MN), where he has been the head coach for the past 9 seasons.
“Kevin was a part of a special coaching group at Bethel,” said men’s soccer coach Thiago Pinto. “He was an excellent coach, but more importantly, a person with a genuine heart who lived a life of faith, a vibrancy of life, and a love for his family and everyone he knew.”
He graduated from Northwestern College (Iowa) in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health education. He earned his master’s degree in biomechanics and exercise physiology at the University of Kentucky.
A Go FundMe has been established to help the Ulmer family cover medical expenses during this overwhelmingly difficult time and can be found here. Details of a memorial service will be announced when available.