Student Testimonials

"To be honest with you, I'm having the time of my life in this program...learning something new every assignment. I'm not even sure how or why I ended up taking classes, but I'm sure glad I did. I am promoting the program to everyone I come in contact with here in the Midwest. Keep up the great work in all that you are doing there."
-Rick Curtis
Men's Soccer Head Coach / Assistant Athletic Director / Director of Athletic Communications
Carroll University

"I wanted to let you know that I was named head football coach at Saint Anthony High School in Long Beach this past Friday. I strongly believe my MCAA portfolio was a major factor in being offered the position. I went through the interview process feeling confident about what I could bring to their program based on what I have learned from the MCAA program. I am very proud to be a Concordia alumnus, and I look forward to bringing the MCAA coaching philosophy to Saint Anthony High School....Thank you for your continued support and guidance, as well as the opportunity to learn and grow in a great Christian environment."
-Mario Morales

"I just wanted to let you know that you can now say that your MCAA program has produced a NCAA Division I coach, because I got the job at UNLV!"
-Vanessa Vela

"Thank you for leading and instructing me. It has made a big impression on me. My athletes will be better for your effort and contribution. THANK YOU again."
-Lawrence Reynolds

"Thank you so much for teaching an excellent course in Sports Ethics. I enjoyed it immensely and learned a lot. There were many situations I had never thought too in depth about, but you really made me think about how I would react in certain situations. It has given me an excellent framework for any situations that may arise in the future."
-Dan O'Dell
Assistant Coach, UCLA Women's Volleyball

"Thank you for an outstanding course. It was a challenge this semester with teaching and coaching, but I have learned immense amounts of valuable information and lessons. The organization and set up of the online course was great. Thank you also for all the extra bits of wisdom and material you've passed on for coaching help. I would love to continue to receive it from such wise council."
-Noell Engbers

"Thank you for the opportunity to learn and grow in a great environment. The administrators are supportive, the teachers are great, and the students are engaged."
-Mike Kelly

"I can't tell you how grateful I am that Concordia is offering this masters program. It has revitalized my attitude towards my job and my future. This class has helped me so much personally and spiritually. Thank you for letting me be a part of this."
-Tim Lenderman

"I find it to be amazing that this program is doing so well and attracting so many people from all over. Tying Christian values and core beliefs to coaching and our role as coaches is not only a benefit to those of us who know God but to those who don't. I am seeing coaches that have no relationship with Christ really grasping the messages you are giving us. This program is new and may seem overwhelming, but I know God is at work in it! Coaching is a field with many non-believers, and it seems to me like God is using this program to move them from all over the world to being within reach of a few people who God has chosen to work through."
-Twila Kaufman

"This program was very beneficial in providing me with the tools and organization skills for my current job with the Milwaukee Brewers. I feel having this background will help me continue in my pursuit to move up the ladder in the organization. I would recommend this program to any person pursuing a career in coaching, athletic administration, and professional sports. You will walk away from this program feeling like you can apply it immediately to your profession."
-Southern California / Hawaii Area Scout
Milwaukee Brewers

"I don't want to take much of your time, but I wanted to let you know about the Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration program at Concordia University. If you have been putting off working on your Master's degree for whatever reason, you should seriously consider getting started at Concordia. I just finished my first class (8 more to go!) and it was the only class that I have ever taken that has helped me improve as a coach. The classes are taught by instructors in our field (my instructor was Baldwin Park AD Mike Zimmerman) in a collaborative atmosphere. We share our knowledge and research and learn from each other. Earning my Masters is something I've always known that I have to do to move up on the pay scale and possibly become a college coach, but at Concordia it is actually something I am looking forward to."
-John McGaha

"The MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration at Concordia has been an integral part of my growth and development as a college basketball coach. I am a more confident leader and communicator because of the top-notch instruction and interaction with other professionals enrolled in the program. Whether it's youth, high school or college level, the masters program at Concordia will prepare you to be your very best."
-Rhett Soliday
Director of Basketball Operations, UC Irvine

"I felt the MCAA program was extremely beneficial. It was a great opportunity to network with and get to know other coaches and see the learned principles applied through different sports at both the high school and college levels. It was also very interesting to get a variety of thoughts from different people on different issues facing coaches today. The Legal Aspects class was one of the most helpful classes I have ever taken! I would recommend the MCAA program to any coach considering a Master's degree."
-Boys Volleyball Coach
Calvary Chapel High School, Santa Ana

"The first thing that I really appreciated about the program is that it was conveniently located and that the classes met on the same day for the duration of the program. I also appreciated the help and assistance from those heading up the program even though they were in Irvine! I always got my questions answered in a swift and professional manner! I enjoyed the courses and the ability to hear and share various points of view on every topic that we learned about. The instructors, being that they were 'in the field,' were a HUGE PLUS for me! I got to hear and learn about real life situations that are occurring today in the world of athletics. The demand of work certainly was not overwhelming, but it did cause me to be able to research and learn about current topics and trends in athletic administration. I really enjoyed the program!"
-8th Grade Teacher
Glendale Unified School District

"Just thought I'd let you know what a wonderful time I'm having with this program. It has allowed me to really evaluate what I do and how I do it, and it has given me a little boost! I was very nervous about starting the program because I wasn't sure how things would go, but I'm SO glad that I chose to go for it! Thanks for making this whole experience so awesome....I look forward to all that is to come!"
-Criselda Tapia

"I learned such valuable information in this program about coaching ethics, athletic administration and finance. The tools from this program have landed me multiple job interviews for high school athletic director and various offers. The professors are well-spoken leaders in their content area and lifelong friends. It was the content learned in this program that has made me choose to stay at my current high school and make an imprint of Concordia University on staff and students."
-Sports Medicine Teacher / Head Athletic Trainer
Beverly Hills High School

"The MCAA program was exactly what I was looking for in a Master's Degree. Because of my age and professional experience (59, 35 years teaching) I wasn't looking for professional advancement; instead I was looking for current practice and a feather in my hat (so to speak). The quality of the program was excellent and perfect for teachers of sports. I was fortunate to have the classes taught nearby my place of employment. I felt that the classroom experiences were especially helpful."
-Physical Education Teacher / Volleyball Coach
Irvine USD / Saddleback Valley Volleyball Club

"I had a lot of fun in your class last week. It was an incredible learning experience and I met a lot of great people. The knowledge is extremely valuable for my progression in coaching. Thank you for everything you have done for me! You are an incredible influence and a great friend! Thanks again for yet again, another great class."
-Ryan Hanson
Athletic Director Institute Class Summer Intensive

"Just wanted to say thank you for all of your help. I really enjoyed all of the speakers; they were all very helpful to me and our sports program. Hope to work with you again."
-Chris Molloy
Athletic Director Institute Class Summer Intensive

"What a great week! It was a terrific class. I learned a great deal and became more enthused to begin a great career in education. Thank you for everything! It was a pleasure meeting you and taking part of such an awesome class that you put together."
-Chase Rasmussen
Athletic Director Institute Class Summer Intensive

"I just wanted to thank you for the amazing class this week. I truly enjoyed learning from you and interacting with the other students. Education is such an important field in life and coming back and working on my Master's has been very rewarding for me. After your class, it only validated why I came back....Your enthusiasm, knowledge, passion, humor, caring, and desire to help us all really had an impact on me. I don't think anyone could have done a better job in teaching this class other than you. God put me here on earth "to be there for others." My faith is strong and now my mission and purpose in life is even stronger. You have reinforced my understanding that building character, inspiring others, making the right ethical decision, setting goals, and abiding by your ideals and values are the keys to life....The Powerpoint presentations by everyone blew me away. It was only a week-long class, but I wish I had this class and those fellow classmates for another 10 weeks.
-Dick Dornan
Ethics and Sport Class Summer Intensive

"This Masters experience has been wonderful, and I am very happy and proud to have gone the direction I did. I am very hopeful that I will be able to make it down to walk next spring, but, if not, maybe I could get some other folks to drive down for a class, just for fun. When the doctorate degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration is coming online, sign me up."
-Brett Lucas

"I just wanted to say thank you again for the great week at CUI. Your class was very worthwhile and will be beneficial to me in the future. I really appreciate how you took the time to get to know our group from Washington. You don't always get that kind of interaction, and it was very neat for us.
-Pat Ferguson
Facility Planning and Event Management Class Summer Intensive

"I just wanted to say thanks for offering this class even though enrollment was below the expected number. Mike Zimmerman did such a fantastic job with the class. We were able to tour so many great facilities and witness firsthand the practical application of all the content from the curriculum. He also brought in a guest speaker who was able to answer so many questions for us, and he saved the best for last and we ended today with the amazing Rose Bowl. What a treat! My coursework is now complete and I am very pleased with what the program has taught me. Both the instructors online and Mike have been excellent and I will highly recommend the Concordia program to everyone I know who might be interested. Two of the teachers I work with have already expressed an interest and I will follow up with them in August and answer any questions they may have for me"
-Julie Hoppe
Facility Planning and Event Management Class PG Summer Intensive

"Thank you for a rewarding experience. I look forward to working with you again in the future. Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication."
-Trish Wright

"Yes, your class kept me very busy, but it was worth every second. I truly enjoyed your class, and it has helped me write down my thoughts, feelings, and values. Also, I was able to incorporate some positive changes along the way."
-Victoria Rios
Ethics and Sport Class

"After coaching high school athletics for 20 years, I feel I am still gaining practical knowledge from the courses and the group discussions with other coaches in my field. Most importantly, I am able to immediately apply what I am learning to my current team. Specifically, the courses on ethics and psychology of sport have influenced my coaching style and approach this season, and I feel have had a positive impact on my team's performance."
-Mary Mulligan
Girls Head Basketball Coach, San Clemente High School

"The program has expanded my knowledge of athletic leadership and coaching, even though I came into the program with over 30 years of experience as a coach and athletic director. The program develops students' cognitive, effective, and psychomotor abilities in a Christian setting that empowers the students for a life of learning and service."
-Rick Curtis
Head Football Coach, Northwood High School, Irvine

"The AD institute was PHENOMENAL. It was the MOST practical course I have ever taken at any level. This course was the exact reason that I signed up for the MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration: Not for philosophy and rhetoric, but for the screws and nails that build the house of Athletic Administration! I think that the format with the 14 different speakers was just the best thing that could have been done. Actually, sitting in my office today, I miss not being there learning more from the AD's."
-Chris Fore
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Capistrano Christian

"I wanted to let you know how amazing the class that Rob Wigod just conducted was. I feel the content of the class will benefit southern section athletics because we are more knowledgeable and will be better prepared in the work place. Again, the class is priceless."
-Lori Larsen

"This class has opened my eyes to many things over the past few weeks, but what has hit home the most is reading the book Season of Life. The day I read this book I could not put it down and fell asleep with the book on my chest. By mid morning the next day, I had finished the book. That night at dinner, I enthusiastically began to tell the story to my husband, the defensive coordinator of our high school football team. He began reading it the next day. We began having conversations at dinner that week about the book and how it was so profound that we should be teaching our athletes about life, not just about sport."
-Coleen Davenport
MCAA 530: Ethics and Sport

"I have found so much of the information that I have garnered in this class to be useful and practically applicable to my job as a coach. I really am pleasantly surprised at the level and amount of useful, valuable information that I'm accumulating from this masters program. I am truly amazed at so many of the discoveries that I have made as a result of the few classes I have taken through Concordia University. I am overwhelmed at the practical and useful information that has been provided in just this short amount of time. I had no idea what God had planned when I enrolled in this program. As usual, He never disappoints!"
-Becky Gagnon