Waldorf University has announced the hiring of Michael Wirth as Head Men’s Basketball Coach. Originally from Thompson, Iowa and a graduate of North Iowa High School in Buffalo Center, Iowa, Wirth returns to North Iowa from Arizona where he spent the last 23 years teaching and coaching basketball at various levels. Wirth helped form the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association and facilitated the association’s coaching clinic for multiple years, developing relationships with high school and college coaches. Most recently, he served as founder and Director of 3D Hoops Club program and Director of Basketball Operations for Iron Courts Basketball Training and Performance Center.
“I would like to thank Dr. Alsop, Chad Gassman, Mike Heitkamp, Jenna Quina and everyone involved in the interview process and for the opportunity and privilege to become the next Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Waldorf University,” Wirth said. “Waldorf University has always been a special place for myself and my family. It became evident that this was God’s plan for us. We look forward to coming back home. It has been great to meet and connect with current players. I look forward to working with them and the incoming players. We will engage daily in the process to become our very best on the basketball court and in the community. It is an exciting time to be a Warrior as we get the opportunity to compete in the GPAC, one of the best NAIA Conferences in the nation. We will look to provide an exciting brand of basketball with relentless effort and enthusiasm!”
Director of Athletics, Chad Gassman said, “This was a highly competitive search, and we had some great candidates. When it came down to it, Michael’s ability to relate to the players, staff, and people in general resonated with me. His ability to communicate will help with all aspects of building this program and competing in the GPAC from recruiting, player development, fundraising, retention of student-athletes, and community outreach. I couldn’t be more pleased to have Michael and his family a part of the Waldorf and North Iowa communities.”
Shortly after arriving in Arizona, Coach Wirth led Maricopa High School to the top of the Desert West Region with a 21-4 record and was named Maricopa Unified School District Teacher of the Year. He also built competitive programs at two different high schools in Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona, competing in two of the best regions in the 6A and 5A conferences. In 2023, Coach Wirth was recognized by Arizona FCA as the East Valley Coach of Impact.
Coach Wirth said he is “eager to connect with our alumni, fans, and the community, as their support will be instrumental in our journey. Together, we will embrace all opportunities that will propel us towards excellence. I am honored and grateful to lead this program, and I can’t wait to get started. Go Warriors!”
https://www.waldorfwarriors.com/general/2024-25/releases/20250314f1n343
