WC Welcomes Several New Coaches to Winter Sports

Written on 11/19/2024
Libby Montgomery

Meet some of the new faces on our sidelines this Winter

7TH GRADE GIRLS BASKETBALL | JUSTIN DOELLMAN

Justin is joining the Warrior coaching staff as head coach of our 7th-grade girls basketball team.

He is a former collegiate athlete who played basketball at Xavier University and then continued his basketball career professionally for an additional 12 years in Europe. Justin transitioned into coaching, where he studied under the mentorship of Wes Ellifritz for two seasons as an assistant coach for 5th/6th-grade COBA teams.

Driven by his faith, Justin draws inspiration from Psalms 28:7, which he wore on his shoes while playing. He strives to embody perseverance and strength both on and off the court. He hopes his experience on the court, faith-centered approach to coaching, leadership style, and emphasis on resilience and dedication will help shape the future of this 7th-grade class.

Justin and his wife, Meredith, have two children, Amaya and Brayden.

7TH GRADE BOYS BASKETBALL | ADAM HEGENDERFER

Adam is joining the Warrior coaching staff as head coach of our 7th-grade boys basketball team.

Adam grew up loving and playing multiple sports, but he excelled at basketball and played for Tree of Life High School. His dedication to hard work earned him All-State honors his senior season and an invitation to the State All-Star game.

He has coached football and basketball for the last seven years. He views basketball as one of the best tools to teach students how to be more Christlike and deal with life’s trials and tribulations. He loves coaching kids on hard work and discipline, and is beyond excited to lead our 7th grade boys’ basketball team as they seek to mirror Christ and compete for an audience of One.

Adam and his wife, Chrissie, have 3 children together: Mylah, Isaac, and Eden.

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL | DAVID JOHNSON

David joins the Warrior coaching staff as an Assistant Coach for our High School Boys Basketball program. Originally from Lorain, Ohio, David played varsity football and basketball and ran track for Clearview High School. After graduation, he received a track scholarship to Youngstown State University.

David’s passion for basketball is evident in his coaching. He has trained boys and girls of all ages from preschool to high school. Most recently, he led the WYB 5th-grade boys team to a 37-4 season, ending with the COBA City Championship and State Runner-Up titles. He is very proud of the leaders that his sons, Julian and David, have become on their respective teams as top ranked talents in their age groups. 

David is very excited to join the WC coaching staff and be a part of the incredible new chapter they have brought to the program. David firmly believes that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17) and that everything we do, from practice to games and sportsmanship, should reflect the excellence and glory of God.

David is a lifelong follower of Christ, husband, and father of three. Today, in addition to coaching, he is an entrepreneur and registered nurse. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER | LYDIA OHLINGER

Lydia (WC ’03) joins the Warrior coaching staff as the Middle School Head Cheerleading Coach.

Lydia is no stranger to the WC cheerleading program, having cheered at WC as a student. During college, Lydia coached high school cheerleading squads. She has been teaching Pilates and specializing in proper posture and body function for many years and she looks forward to using her experience to help the girls execute their cheerleading moves, stretches, and stunts safely.

She is excited to work with the girls and spur them on in their love for cheer and encouraging others in the Lord. “Cheerleaders have a natural spotlight shining on them as they perform and cheer on the basketball teams. I hope to encourage them to expand on that energy and the God given joy they have when cheering and let it spill over into other areas of their lives. Encouraging those around them in everyday life and their walks with the Lord.”

Lydia mentioned Philippians 4:4-9 as being an inspirational lesson for this season, encouraging the girls to rejoice with each other in their successes and thinking on the uplifting and praiseworthy gifts from God.

Join us in welcoming our new Warrior coaches!