We asked. They answered. As part of an information form sent to new student-athletes, Concordia’s freshman class of 2025-26 was asked what led them to become Bulldogs. Below is a sampling of the responses that came from the simple question – why Concordia?
Freshman class of 2025-26, why Concordia??
Chloe Abramson, Cross Country/Track & Field
I loved the Christ-like community, coaching staff and the team.
Caden Alfson, Baseball
The coaches are amazing and made me feel wanted. They have a great program that is always successful. The town is amazing, and it was the right fit for me.
Madi Babisak, Women’s Soccer
I chose Concordia because of how welcoming the coaches were, and the overall environment at the school.
Laynee Baker, Volleyball
I chose to attend Concordia because of the culture within the volleyball program. As I went on visits, I got to interact with some of the players and they were all very welcoming and kind. The coaches are also amazing, and have built an incredible program based on grit, hard work and love.
Reid Beberniss, Baseball
Lutheran based college with a great baseball program and coaches who care about their players.
Ian Brester, Baseball
I love what the school stands for. You follow your faith and choose to grow in God every day while also playing the sport you love.
Karlee Broberg, Women’s Basketball
I love the people and the atmosphere in Seward and on campus. The basketball team is like a family which I love. Lots of my family members have attended Concordia so it was a familiar place for me as a kid, and I felt like I was home when I was there.
Izzi Brumbaugh, Cross Country/Track & Field
I have loved Concordia ever since I was in grade school and attended the Gathering of the Talents. It always felt like "home," and God kept impressing it on my heart over the years. That dream started becoming a reality, and when Coach Beisel reached out to me about being on the track team – running being something I would have loved to continue after high school – it became even more apparent to me that Concordia was where I wanted to call home for the four years following my time at Nebraska Christian. Lastly, adding to all that's been said, as I started visiting the school, seeing the campus, and meeting faculty, staff and future teammates, I saw a community that emulates Christ's love and that was welcoming from the first conversation. From the help I've received on questions, to the running crew being so inviting, to the wonderful conversations I've had with professors and faculty/staff, my love of Concordia has only grown, and I believe it will continue to over these next four years. So thankful I chose Concordia University!
Quincy Cotter, Volleyball
The honesty and warmth in my visit stuck out to me. It is an opportunity to grow closer to God, continue my love for volleyball, and still stay close to home.
Giavanna Doyle, Cheer
I chose to attend Concordia because I am so drawn to its values and the opportunities that it offers me to grow both academically and spiritually. I believe that Concordia will be the best place for me to thrive academically while walking with God and developing the best version of myself.
Jacob Duitsman, Men’s Basketball
I chose to go to Concordia because I wanted a Christ-centered education where I could grow in both my faith and my academic goals. The tight-knit community, strong values and focus on personal development made it the right fit for me.
Taylor Earl, Dance
I loved how welcoming both the students and staff were during my visit. They were interested in my future and made me feel seen as a person and dancer. I also loved the fact I wasn’t too far from home and the campus was located in a smaller town like I am used to!
Kyle Eck, Men’s Soccer
Loved the atmosphere and thought it would be a great fit for me.
Charlie Evans, Cross Country/Track & Field
Coach Matt, the faith-based environment, the Christ-based curriculum and the amazing facilities.
Karmen Fitch, Cheer
I chose to go to Concordia after visiting many schools because it felt like home. The cheer team is full of awesome people, which I’m so excited and proud to be a part of.
James Fittje, Track & Field
I wanted to attend Concordia because I really like the track here and the coaches are amazing. I also chose to attend because it would be a great fit for my major.
Carson Frank, Baseball
They have an amazing baseball program with great coaches, and I really liked the school’s atmosphere.
Callie Gillespie, Women’s Basketball
There were a lot of factors that influenced my college decision, but the initial factor that drew me to a college was the basketball team. I knew Concordia had a good team, and I had heard very positive things about the team culture. After meeting Coach Olson, I knew this team valued the same things I did. I also love that it is a Christian school because my faith is extremely important to me. Lastly, it is only a six-hour drive from my hometown.
Mary Beth Hart, Softball
I chose to attend Concordia because of the amazing people and softball program! Everyone at Concordia is so kind and welcoming. The softball coaches and players are incredible and welcomed me right away. It felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus. I am really looking forward to playing for Coach Culler and being a part of the amazing team he is building! I am so excited to be a Bulldog!!!
Sara Harley, Women’s Basketball
I picked Concordia because of the faith-based atmosphere, tradition of success and family-based culture.
Clayton Hartman, Baseball
On my visit, I met with a few team members and coaches and was impressed with the high level of the program and what the university and the city of Seward has to offer.
Evie Keller, Women’s Soccer
I chose to attend Concordia because I loved the environment and atmosphere it brings. Coach Smith is building a very good soccer program, and I am excited to be a part of this group and continue to improve the program at Concordia.
Lilly Kenning, Cross Country/Track & Field
I have a great relationship with Matt Beisel, and I wanted to run for a coach and school that I respect and whom I believe will help me become the best version of myself both academically and athletically.
Logan Krabbenhoft, Men’s Golf
Academic success, friendly atmosphere, great golf program and close to home.
Trenton Kumm, Track & Field
I really loved the smaller campus and tight-knit community feel of Concordia. I love how Concordia keeps Christ centered and how awesome my track coaches and advisors are. My dad also went to Concordia.
Nixon Ligouri, Football
Loved everything about it.
Nathan Lindesmith, Men’s Basketball
I chose Concordia because it felt like the right place to be. They had everything for my major I wanted, and the basketball program was an immediate connection. The coaches make it feel like a family and the team setting and chemistry are awesome.
Joey Long, Women’s Soccer
I chose Concordia because of the team atmosphere and how inviting everyone on campus was.
Ava Martinez, Softball
I immediately fell in love with the campus and the softball program. During my visit I felt like I was in good hands, and I just knew I could totally see myself thriving here.
Bailey Merritt, Softball
I chose Concordia because of the coaching staff and when I visited the school in felt like home – it was like I belonged there.
Mikayla Miller, Track & Field
Faith, close to home, family connection.
Chris Mock, Football
Seward felt like home. It felt like a place where I could do exactly what I wanted while in college. It's a legacy school at Montrose Football as well. Two of my coaches attended the school and had great reviews of the staff.
Briley Morgan, Softball
I chose Concordia because of the inviting and community-oriented atmosphere! The beautiful campus and strong academic and athletic programs also made it a great place to be!
Maddie Murray, Track & Field
Concordia University felt most like home. When I first thought about Concordia, I was hesitant due to its size as I had always envisioned myself at a big school. However, on my visit everyone was so warm and kind, the track team felt like family, and I instantly knew Concordia was where I needed to be. A family and home away from home!
Abby Nelson, Weightlifting
I chose CUNE because of the weightlifting team and Freddie Myles. The team is full of great people and lifters, and I am so grateful to be able to train alongside them. I know that I’ll unlock my potential with this team.
Bradly Newton, Baseball
It felt very homey and welcoming during my visit. Everyone was super nice. It felt like people knew me already.
Tate Odvody, Men’s Basketball
Great culture, coaches and teammates.
Cam Ottersberg, Dance
When I went on my visit, I immediately loved the environment and the people. I am also growing in my faith and relationship with God, and I think attending Concordia will help me with that growth.
Antonio Reyes, Football
Best option to help grow not only as a football player but all around with my education and my faith. Their foundation is amazing, and I truly believe that they care and believe in me to push for my dreams.
Ayla Roth, Women’s Basketball
The atmosphere of Concordia felt different than other schools, and I wanted to find a place to play basketball.
Brinkly Sallach, Cheer
I chose to attend Concordia because it aligned with my faith and moral value. Being a part of a team was something I wanted to continue after high school, and my passion for cheerleading and tumbling was seen by Coach Emilie. The people and campus felt like home during my visit.
Jenna Sladky, Volleyball
From the moment I stepped on campus for my visit, I felt comfortable and at home. The people here are truly amazing, and I am very lucky to be a part of such a special program and school.
Makenna Starkey, Volleyball/Track & Field
The amazing coaches!
Josie Strauss, Shooting Sports
I love how important God is here. I would love to help grow the agricultural education program as well. There are so many opportunities, and I still get to participate in the sport I love.
Lana Tillman, Dance
I chose Concordia because it had everything I wanted: a Christ-based curriculum, acknowledgement of dance as the sport it is and a prestigious music program. The amazing faculty and family atmosphere was also a great bonus!
Maxim Vukovic, Men’s Soccer
I like the principles the school stands for, mostly the Christian tradition which is really important for me. The variety in studies the school offers also sparked my interest, but most of all the soccer team and the coaches are the leading factors in my choice.
Owen Vyhnalek, Football
It is the perfect college for me to understand my faith through God, along with the right major, surrounded by the perfect coaches, teachers and students to make my journey a memorable one.
Anna Ware, Powerlifting/Weightlifting
I appreciate the kindness everyone at the school offers and the environment built for the students. Also, a nice sports team with good coaches.
Grace Zach, Dance
When choosing to attend Concordia, I felt as though God was pushing me to come here and to start a new journey with a new school that encourages me to get better not only as a person, but in my walk with God!