Concordia University Nebraska Athletics: A Tradition of Excellence
Concordia University, Nebraska, a fully accredited coeducational university of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in Seward, has a rich history of athletic achievement. Founded in 1894, Concordia has established itself as a prominent member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The university's commitment to both academic and athletic excellence is evident in its numerous awards, championships, and the success of its student-athletes.
A Legacy of Success
Concordia University, Nebraska, boasts an impressive athletic record, marked by consistent success in the GPAC and recognition on the national stage. The university has secured:
- 73 GPAC Team Championships
- 56 GPAC Athletes of the Year awards
- 48 GPAC Coaches of the Year awards
- 5 GPAC All-Sports Trophies (2004-05, 2002-03, 2014-15, 2021-22, 2023-24)
This sustained success underscores Concordia's dedication to fostering a competitive athletic environment while maintaining a strong emphasis on academic achievement.
Scholar-Athletes: Excelling in the Classroom and on the Field
Concordia University, Nebraska, prides itself on its scholar-athletes, individuals who demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics. Concordia leads the nation in the total number of NAIA Scholar-Athletes, with 2,526. The university's commitment to academic achievement is further exemplified by the recognition of its athletes as Academic All-Americans and All-District award winners.
In 2025, senior center Brevin Damrow was honored as an Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators for his work in the trenches and in the classroom. Eight Bulldogs represented Concordia Football on the list of 2025 Academic All-District award winners, as announced by College Sports Communicators. Three Bulldogs are repeat honorees.
Read also: Tuition Guide for International Students
The emphasis on academic success is woven into the fabric of the athletic program, encouraging student-athletes to excel in their studies while pursuing their athletic goals.
Football: A Program on the Rise
Concordia's football program has experienced significant success in recent years, marked by strong performances in the GPAC and national recognition. In 2025, the team finished in third place in the GPAC and rose as high as No. 17 in the NAIA coaches' poll, navigating injuries to top players and proving its staying power as one of the GPAC's top programs.
Several players earned All-American honors in 2025, including Carson Fehlhafer and Daylon Henson. Carson Fehlhafer was recognized as an NAIA First Team All-American by the AFCA. Three Bulldogs were chosen by Victory Sports Network as 2025 NAIA All-Americans: Carson Fehlhafer, Daylon Henson and Adam Van Cleave. They helped Concordia to a 7-3 record in '25.
The 2025 team also excelled academically, collecting 24 academic honors, as announced by the NAIA on Nov. 19. A group of 14 standout Bulldogs represented the Concordia Football program with 2025 GPAC All-Conference awards, including five first team selections.
The program's success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff, as well as the university's commitment to providing a supportive environment for athletic and academic growth. As a team, the '25 Concordia team scored the second most points in a season in school history.
Read also: Financial Aid at Concordia
Women's Basketball: A Tradition of Excellence
Concordia's women's basketball program has a long-standing tradition of success, marked by numerous GPAC championships and national tournament appearances. The program emphasizes a fast-paced, full-court pressing style of play, led by Head Coach Drew Olson.
The 2025-26 team aspired to be annoyingly persistent in the pursuit of the ultimate goal. The success Concordia is enjoying began with an offseason centered upon the idea of 'press,' a theme with a dual meaning. The Bulldogs rained down 11 first half treys to blow past Briar Cliff, 111-70, from the opening whistle in the midweek conference quarterfinal splashing. Kelty buried seven from deep in her march to a new 23-point career high. The No. 4 Bulldogs earned a host spot and faced No. 5 seed Briar Cliff on Wednesday (Feb. 25) in the GPAC tournament.
Concordia Women's Basketball filled the list of 2025-26 NAIA Scholar-Athletes with an impressive 19 honorees. Ten of the Scholar-Athletes are repeat award winners.
The program's commitment to excellence extends beyond the court, as evidenced by the numerous players who have been recognized as NAIA Scholar-Athletes. The Concordia experience has meant so much to the Vieselmeyers that it makes them emotional when asked to put it into words. As the third sister to become a Bulldog student-athlete, Kristin followed in the footsteps of Erin and Megan.
Upcoming Events
Concordia University, Nebraska, offers a wide range of athletic events throughout the year. Some upcoming events include:
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Concordia Capital Internships
- Women's Tennis: Concordia Bulldog Sporting Invitational
- Baseball: Concordia Bulldog Sporting Invitational
- Softball: CUNE Weightlifting Open
- Men's Tennis: GPAC Championship
- Men's Basketball: GPAC Championship
- Wrestling: NAIA Wrestling National Championships
- Track & Field: NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships
For a complete schedule of events, visit the Concordia University, Nebraska, athletics website.
Facilities and Resources
Concordia University, Nebraska, provides its student-athletes with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their athletic development. These include:
- Modern training facilities
- Well-maintained competition venues
- Experienced coaching staff
- Comprehensive sports medicine program
- Strength and conditioning programs
The university's commitment to providing these resources ensures that its student-athletes have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Financial Commitment to Athletics
Concordia University, Nebraska, demonstrates its commitment to athletics through significant financial investment. The average salary of the men’s team head coaches is $61,514, while the head coaches of women’s team make, on average, $59,723 per year and the head coaches of coed teams bring home $50,368.
There are also 54 assistant coaches of sports at Concordia University, Nebraska. The average salary is $37,520 a year for assistant coaches of men’s teams and $32,597 for assistant coaches of women’s teams.
The athletic program as a whole generates significant revenue for the university. In one year, the team turned a profit of $818,827. The net profit or loss can vary with each sport, with programs like football making $56,850 for the school, men's soccer raking in a net profit of $52,126, and volleyball equating to a net profit of $69,710 for the program. Other profitable programs include women's soccer ($17,076), softball ($12,843), tennis ($13,403), and track & field ($16,583).
This financial support allows the university to maintain its competitive edge and provide its student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed.
Dave Kumm's Impact on Concordia Athletics
Dave Kumm, a longtime administrator at Concordia University, Nebraska, played a significant role in shaping the university's athletics program. During his 23-year tenure, Kumm served in various roles, including chief financial officer and executive vice president, overseeing areas such as operations, human resources, athletics, student life, and information technology.
Kumm worked closely with the athletic director and associate athletic director to build one of the strongest GPAC programs. He also played a key role in enhancing the student experience, recognizing the importance of athletics in shaping their memories and overall development at Concordia Nebraska.
His contributions to Concordia University, Nebraska, extended beyond athletics, as he helped the university navigate financial challenges and oversaw major campus projects. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on the university and its athletic program.
tags: #concordia #university #nebraska #athletics
