Joe Graumann

He’s Got No Quit

Coach Paul Koelpin says Joe Graumann is humble and quiet—but tenacious. “He’ll beat players to a ball because he has the drive to get there first. He competes to the end. There’s no quit in his style of play.”

Joe’s tenacity paid off in conference-leading stats in three categories—goals (12), assists (8), and points (32)—and in multiple honors: Third Team All-North Region (United Soccer Coaches), UMAC Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-UMAC.

“I’m pleased for the recognition Joe’s received,” Koelpin says, “but he reacts with an embarrassed shrug when you talk about his accomplishments. He knows it’s not all about him—team and teammates come first.”

When interviewed, Joe never mentions the accolades he earned. He talks about his team. “It was a fantastic year, making the third straight appearance in the conference tournament. It was amazing playing the game I love with my Christian brothers and making memories I’ll never forget.”

Soccer is just one highpoint in Joe’s campus life. “A campus blessing I enjoy very much is the abundance of Bible studies,” he says. “It seems like there’s a Bible study for every day of the week, whether they’re student-run or run by one of our tutors. Getting to dig into sections of the Bible and grow in knowledge and faith with my friends is amazing, and I will never take that for granted.”

As a future pastor, Joe plans to dig into Scripture his whole life. Coach Koelpin notes the parallels: “Joe has a desire to serve the church, and there are so many comparisons that can be made to athletics. The studies, like a soccer match, aren’t easy, so Joe knows that preparation for ministry requires ‘strict training.’  He needs to ‘always give himself fully to the work of the LORD’ because that type of effort is truly ‘never in vain.’”

Pastor IN THE MAKING: “I’m very glad I ended up coming to MLC,” Joe says, “and a lot of thanks and credit is due to my mom. Both my parents were very encouraging, but growing up and watching my mom serve as a called worker gave me a super positive outlook on ministry. My teachers at Lakeside Lutheran were very instrumental as well, especially Pastor Clark Schultz. He was my soccer coach at Lakeside, but—more important—he gave me lots of encouragement to use my gifts and pursue called ministry. I’m now in my junior year in the preseminary track, and I thank God every day for the opportunities here at MLC to praise him with the gifts and abilities he’s given us.”

Joe’s Advice for You: “Just give it a year at MLC and see how it goes. MLC is not only a great place to get a teaching degree or start on the pastor track, but it’s also a great place for young Christians to grow in their faith.”