Waldorf University has announced the promotion of Nick Ackerman to Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach and the hiring of Jackson Lee as Head JV Men’s Basketball Coach.
Coach Ackerman enters his fifth year on the staff. He spent the last season as the Head JV Coach for the program. Before graduating from Waldorf University in 2024, Coach Ackerman competed as a student-athlete on the men’s basketball team for one year and transitioned to a student assistant for the next three years. He also served as assistant high school and head junior high coach for his alma mater Hardin County Home Educators in 2019-2020.
“Coach Ackerman has been an instrumental part of the Waldorf University Men’s Basketball Program for many years as a player and coach,” Head Coach Michael Wirth said. “His institutional knowledge and knowledge of players throughout Iowa and Minnesota in the recruiting process is second to none. Very early on, it was evident that we work extremely well together as a staff. I’m very excited to have Coach Ackerman move into the Varsity Assistant Coaching position.”
Coach Lee brings a strong background in playing and coaching experience to the program. Most recently, he served as the Head Club Basketball Coach for Impact Sports Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he led the program’s top 17U team. During the 2023-24 season, Coach Lee was on staff at the University of Arkansas as a graduate assistant for the men’s basketball program, contributing to all aspects of team operations and player development at the Division I level.
A former collegiate athlete, Coach Lee played four seasons with Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. While in college, he also coached high school club basketball in his spare time, demonstrating a passion for mentoring young athletes and helping them grow both on and off the court.
“We are very excited to have Coach Lee join the Men’s Basketball staff here at Waldorf University,” Head Coach Michael Wirth said. “He brings great experience as a former player in the GPAC and a coach at every level from High School, Club, and College. He has an extensive basketball background and has already gained an incredible amount of coaching experience. Throughout the in-depth interview process, it became very clear that Jackson would be a great fit. With his talent in recruiting, skill development, and coaching players to become their best along with his drive and character, there is no doubt that he will have a huge impact on the Men’s Basketball Program, Waldorf University, and the Community.”
