Padjen enters his 21st season with the Golden Bear program in 2023. He is involved in all aspects of coaching for the volleyball program which captured nine NCAA Division II Championships (2007-2013, 2016, 2017), 12 regional championships and 14 NSIC Championships.
Padjen was hired in 2003 when Brady Starkey was named the program's new head coach. Padjen works closely with Starkey in all aspects of the program including recruiting, scouting, game planning, operations and in practices. Although he fills any role necessary on the coaching staff, he works specifically with the setters.
Prior to joining the Concordia staff, he was assistant volleyball coach at St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn. from 1999 to 2002.
He also has coaching experience with the Junior Olympics with Minnesota Select from 2004 to present coaching 17-1's. He has coached numerous young athletes who have advanced to play collegiately through the Select team.
He is a graduate from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in political science. He resides in Maple Grove, Minn. with his wife, Amanda and their daughter, Mia.
