Coach Kati Bodecker has built a volleyball legacy at Whitworth, leading the Pirates to consistent success in the Northwest Conference – including a championship win in 2024! As she heads into her 13th season, Bodecker reflects on last year’s incredible run and shares what’s fueling her fire for the year ahead.
Q. What was your favorite memory from this past season?
A. My favorite memory was winning our conference tournament that we got to host. We played PLU, and they are always tough competition for us. We were able to beat them in three sets to secure the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. That win also completed our undefeated season. We went 18-0 in our Northwest Conference play. We had the most electric crowd with students, faculty, friends and family all supporting us. To win at home in front of our fans was incredibly rewarding, and seeing everyone on our team get to celebrate with their friends and family is something I will never forget.
Q. What are you looking forward to this coming season?
A. I always look forward to the beginning of new season. Every year and every team are different. I look forward to the challenge of bringing together both our returners and new athletes to work to create an environment where we can be successful. What worked last year might not work this year, so I enjoy the idea that nothing is scripted, everything has to be earned and there are no guarantees. I love getting to learn about my new team and finding new ways to motivate them and help them achieve their best!
Q. Why do you enjoy coaching at the Division III level and at Whitworth?
A. I love DIII and Whitworth because philosophically it aligns with everything I believe to be true about sports. I strive to get my teams to compete and be at their very best, but we do that with the understanding that our identity isn’t found in our performance on the court. These players have so much more to offer than just being athletes. They are outstanding students, leaders, friends, who are achieving in so many other areas. I love DIII because our schedule allows them time to seek out other passions. I love Whitworth because I get to be surrounded by a support system and community who encourages and reminds me daily that my mission isn’t just to win; it is to help mentor and guide these young women to get their degree, strengthen their character and hopefully send them out into the world prepared to make a difference.
Q. What traits do you think are most important to an athlete’s success?
A. Traits I think are imperative to success are those that inevitably I try to teach. I believe that having great self-awareness is crucial to success. When athletes know their strengths and weaknesses, it allows them to take criticism without being defensive. It creates this growth mindset way of thinking which is “I know I have more to better at, but I’m still confident.”
I always try to teach/train mental fortitude. We have many conversations and lessons surrounding how to deal with change, failure and adversity. Participating in sports allows you to constantly deal with failure, even if it’s on a very small scale. I love the opportunity to address those moments, and talk through how to respond, because I think that is a skill set that is lacking overall, so the more chances they have to deal with it and strengthen their mindset, the better they get, and it reflects in our performance as a team.
Another trait I really value is humility. I believe a competitive spirit and humility can coexist. I love to see an athlete compete so hard, but simultaneously show good sportsmanship, be a good teammate and really just give their best effort without having to broadcast it.
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