Badtke selected as head coach for Marian men’s and women’s volleyball

FOND DU LAC – Blake Badtke has been announced as the head coach for the Marian University men’s and women’s volleyball programs.

“We’re very excited to have Blake take on a new leadership role in Marian Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Tony Draves. “We’re confident that the coaching staff Blake has assemble will help both programs reach their full potential, and I know the student-athletes are excited as well. Congratulations to Blake on this new role, he has given so much to the department already and really deserves it.”

Badtke takes over Sabre volleyball after serving as an assistant coach for the Fond du Lac Boys’ Volleyball program since 2019. In that time, the Cardinals posted a winning record three times and reached sectionals of the WIAA Tournament four times. Over the past two seasons, Fond du Lac has boasted a 31-15 record with two trips to the Sectional Semifinals of the State Tournament.

He assumes this new role after competing as a student-athlete at Marian and serving various positions within the athletic department. As a student-athlete, Badtke played three seasons in the Sabre men’s volleyball program and served as a representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Badtke went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management in 2022 before spending a year as a graduate assistant in the athletic communications department. It was during this time that he earned a master’s degree in management in the spring of 2024. He then assumed the role of assistant director of athletic enrollment. In this position, Badtke has served a pivotal role in developing and executing recruiting plans with all coaches.

“I am extremely grateful to have been selected to lead the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at Marian,” said Badtke. “I would like to thank Director of Athletics Tony Draves and the entire Marian community for believing in me and providing me with this opportunity to give back to the university that has given me so many memories. I am looking forward to continuing to grow Sabre volleyball and provide our student-athletes the chance to develop not only on the court, but in the classroom as well.”

Marian men’s volleyball opens the season Saturday, January 18 with a triangular with Simpson and UW-Stevens Point at home.