Mankato, Minn. – Bethany Lutheran College named John Olmanson as its head volleyball coach Thursday. He replaces Sue Forrey who went 27-58 in three seasons with the Vikings.
 
Olmanson brings a wealth of volleyball knowledge at the high school, club, and junior Olympic levels. Most recently, he was the head coach at Como Park High School in St. Paul where he led the Cougars to a 17-12 record in 2012 and a 10-2 mark in the St. Paul City Conference. He is also the co-owner and co-director of both SPIKE Performance Camps and Club 'Sota Volleyball where he was also a coach for junior Olympic eligible athletes.
 
"It was an easy, but a tough decision," said Olmanson about accepting the head coaching offer. "I feel I'm ready to take the next step professionally. I've had my sights set on taking over a collegiate program for years."
 
Olmanson is from southern Minnesota and his father is a Bethany alum. With his knowledge of the area and the connections he has in the twin cities, his hire will prove to be beneficial to the program.
 
"John's passion for and knowledge of volleyball came through very clearly during the interview process," said BLC Athletic Director Karl Fager. "That along with an extensive recruiting base were very strong factors in making him our next head volleyball coach. His ability to communicate while focusing on the fundamentals and mechanics will be key in motivating our student-athletes to improve their abilities, while his up tempo style of play will be exciting to watch."
 
Olmanson takes over a program that won only six matches in 2012. He feels that is a better situation for him than becoming head coach of a team that won many games the previous season.
 
"I like the fact that this team is in a rebuilding mode," he said. There would be more pressure on maintaining the consistency. The team will be able to see the vision I have."
 
Olmanson can't wait to sit down and reach out with the current members on the volleyball team to get a feel of what they have experienced and get a sense of what they would like to see while giving the athletes an idea of what is in his plans.