Dan Behnke joins Texas State’s volleyball staff for his first season with the Bobcats, but will bring a wealth of varied experience.
Behnke has seven years of head coaching experience combined with 18 years of playing experience at high school, collegiate, open and professional levels.
As a player, Behnke was a starting right side hitter for the Wisconsin-Stout men’s club team. During his tenure, the team earned a national ranking in the NIRSA top 25 on a regular basis. His responsibilities for the team, in addition to his play, ranged among coaching, practice planning, recruitment, fundraising, travel coordination and media relations.
After his collegiate career, he competed in professional AVP beach volleyball tournaments and began to pursue a career in coaching and training athletes.
In seven years as a head coach of indoor elite junior volleyball teams in Austin, Texas, he developed skills in player development, team management, recruiting, fundraising, community outreach and fiscal oversight.
Behnke’s coaching experience also spans over numerous camps and clinics of which he has been a part. He encouraged mentorship, taught fundamentals and promoted the sport’s growth in those settings.
He possesses an expertise in training hitters and blockers in technique, arm speed and shot selection and also has a proven track record in improving service speed and accuracy.
In addition to his volleyball experience, Behnke has built a 13-year career educating youth and families in social services. In 2008, for his work in that arena, he received the Champions for Children Award, an award for non-profit and business professionals in recognition of changing children’s lives in the greater Austin community.
Originally from Neenah, Wisc., Behnke earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in sociology at Wisconsin-Stout in 2000. He now resides with his wife Ashley in Austin. The couple of three years are expecting their first child.
