Sixth-year assistant volleyball coach Jodi Risen is the 2014 recipient of the Ade & Margaret Olson Coaching Award, which will be awarded at the 2014 Blugold Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, October 4.

The cash award is available to any part-time assistant coach, graduate assistant or community coach in any of the 22 sports in the Blugold sports module.  The award honors the memory of two UW-Eau Claire legends who dedicated their teaching to helping students achieve their education goals.  Ade Olson was a charter member of the Blugold Hall of Fame in 1973.  The criteria dictate that the recipient demonstrate a deep commitment to the student athletes and embody a passion for lifelong learning and a love of the game.

Eighth-year head coach Kim Wudi, who nominated Risen, said “Her positive attitude is infectious and has helped to create an atmosphere in which student-athletes believe that hard work is not only rewarding but also FUN.”  She added “Jodi set a tremendous example of servant leadership for our student-athletes.  She truly desires the best for each student-athlete and is willing to go above and beyond to help ensure that each woman on our team is successful.”

Risen lettered four years for Blugold Hall of Fame head coach Lisa Herb from 2003 through 2006, the final two seasons with Wudi as an assistant coach.   Playing as Jodi Dunbar, she led the team in kills in 2006, earning a spot on the All-Conference team.

She and Wudi began coaching together in the Eau Claire Air Volleyball Club in the spring of 2007 and “it was immediately evident that we complemented each other’s coaching styles,” said Wudi.  “Jodi’s strengths include the ability to break down athletes’ techniques in practice and work in one-on-one and small group settings to help them make adjustments and improvements.

On a regular basis, Risen is also involved in scouting opponents and preparing scouting reports, video analysis, assisting with in-game statistics, home event management, alumni relations and season/practice planning.  She has taken on additional responsibilities for the UWEC Summer Camps and Clinics, including handling registration logistics as well as on-court instruction.

Risen and her husband Matt have one son, Camdyn and one daughter, Chloe.

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