Kyle Radde serves as The University of Olivet’s head men’s volleyball coach, taking lead of the team after two seasons as assistant coach. He has extensive professional volleyball experience, and hopes to instill his lifelong passion for volleyball in others.
Coach Radde’s playing career includes time as an outside hitter for Team Pineapple in the Premier Volleyball League, and he has also played internationally in Denmark and Austria. As a college student-athlete, he was even named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2008-09 and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2007-08 and 2008-09. In addition, Coach Radde qualified for the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Main Draw in 2014, and participated in the AVP Next Champion in 2015. He also was named Waupaca Boat Ride Beach Open Champion in 2016 and Midwest Professional Volleyball Association Rookie of the Year in 2008.
Incorporating his professional experience into his role as coach, Coach Radde encourages his players to uphold a strong mental discipline and to support one another as brothers and teammates.
Why do you love The University of Olivet?
I am very excited for the chance to pursue my passion for sports, especially in college athletics where I know I will be making an impact on young men.
Where do your passions for coaching and volleyball stem from?
I have always been a big fan of all sports. I started playing volleyball while a senior in high school and love to be a part of a team. It has stuck with me since.
What is your coaching style like?
I am a strict coach and focus largely on the mental side of the game; however, I also strive to create a family environment where everybody works together to make our family/team better and stronger.
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
In addition to leading practices and working with my team to help each player improve, I also am responsible for recruiting and communicating with future students. I also am always brainstorming new ways to better the program.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
Olivet might be a small campus, but you can still get a big campus feel with all of the opportunities we offer through athletics, clubs and organizations, Greek life, service trips and more. A low faculty to student ratio means you also get more time with your professors. Smaller class sizes means access to personalized attention and leads to a better academic experience – every student’s first priority.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I can’t wait to begin our competition schedule!
What advice do you share with students?
Make your academics your first priority. Take care of that first and everything will be easier.
What is an interesting or little known fact about yourself?
I played professional volleyball for two years in Austria and Denmark. We also had matches in Belgium, Holland and the Netherlands. I also currently play professional beach volleyball here in the U.S.
Learn more about athletic opportunities for students at OC by scheduling a campus visit or attending an upcoming admissions event. Just let us know if you’re interested in men’s volleyball, and we’ll be sure to introduce you to the awesome coaching staff, including Coach Radde. Contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu for questions.