Coaching Staff
Shaun Pohlman — Women's Volleyball Coach
Shaun Pohlman joins Northwest College after a tremendous final season at Dodge City Community College where his squad finished up 11-3 in conference and 27-10 overall during the 2011 campaign. Pohlman started in July of 2007 at Dodge City just a couple weeks before the season started. Despite the fact the first season ended at 4-31; subsequently, his final three seasons produced a 61-44 record and he earned Co-Conference Coach of the Year in 2008. While at Dodge, there have been six All-Region VI players, one Jayhawk West Player of the Year, one NJCAA Division I National Player of the week, and an NJCAA All-American.
For Pohlman, success not only found its way on the court. During the ‘08-‘09 school year, his team was one of only nine two-year colleges to earn the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award. His squad repeated that feat in ‘09-‘10 as one of only eight two-year colleges to earn the award meanwhile presenting an NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American.
Additionally while at Dodge City, Pohlman helped develop volleyball through club as a director and coach. He coached three teams during his time with the club. While competing in tournaments throughout the HOA Region, he amassed five 1st place finishes and three 2nd place finishes. Pohlman is no stranger to club volleyball; prior to Dodge City, he founded and directed Southern Idaho Volleyball Club from the ground-up which continues to operate in Twin Falls, ID.
Pohlman was born and raised in Twin Falls, Idaho where he attended the College of Southern Idaho. There he earned his Associates of Arts Degree in Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Pohlman completed his Bachelors of Science degree in Educational Interpreting in Sign Language at Idaho State University.
As a player, Pohlman joined the Idaho State Men’s Volleyball Club in 2003 as a setter, starting his first year. The following year, he took the reins as the President of the ISU Men’s Volleyball Club where he led his club team to a reputable finish as the Bronze National Champions and chalked up the honor as Second Team All-Conference as a setter.
Coach Pohlman states that he lives, eats, and breathes volleyball and claims he is a student of the game and always will be. Since the start of his coaching career, he has attended numerous coaching clinics and is currently IMPACT and CAP Level I certified by USA Volleyball.
Shaun and his wife, Megan, reside in Powell with their son, Kesh. They also have two dogs, "Conq" and "Diva."
Pete Baxendale — Assistant Volleyball Coach
Pete Baxendale, a local Wyoming native was a three-sport athlete during high school. Baxendale assisted with the team during the spring and with volleyball camps over the summer. For the 2011 season he will continue those assistant duties and be in charge of workouts as well.
In high school, Baxendale was a three time All-Conference player and two time All-State player in Football. His senior year he was awarded Northwest Region Football Player of the Year as well as being named to the top 30 players in Wyoming. Baxendale was selected to play that year in the 2005 Shrine Bowl.
In order to further his knowledge in the field of athletics Baxendale will receive an Associates of Science in Athletic Training during the fall semester of 2011 at NWC. He also intends to receive a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training at BYU and further his education by obtaining a Master's degree in Physical Therapy at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions where he will specialize in sports injury rehabilitation and injury prevention.
Baxendale served an LDS Mission in Tokyo, Japan for two years. When he returned home he started attending school at NWC where he met his wife Cailey. They have a son named Jaxen.
