Tim Vander Ploeg joined the track and field staff in the spring of 2014. He primarily coaches hurdles, horizontal jumps and the multi-events.
"Coaching was always a dream job for me and having the ability to coach here at Northwestern College was definitely a God thing," said Vander Ploeg. "He opened the door for this opportunity, so I am doing my best to fulfill it. I was blessed to have been coached by Barry Brandt and Dale Thompson while I was a student-athlete here at Northwestern College and then I was blessed to coach with Brandt and have a mentor in Thompson when I first started here at Northwestern. I want to carry on the legacy that was started when I was an athlete here."
Since coaching at Northwestern, Vander Ploeg has coached a number of All-Americans. On the men's side, he has coached All-Americans Braden Kalvelage, Justin Gleason, Simphiwe Mashaba, and James Gilbert Jr. in long jump, Calvin Korver, a two-time All-American, in the decathlon (2nd) and heptathlon (5th), Jordan Strand in the heptathlon (7th), and Jordan Strofaci in the decathlon (7th). In 2024, he coached three jumpers (Kalvelage, Gleason, and Mashaba) to All-American finishes at the NAIA Outdoor Championships. On the women's side, he has coached Allison Birks in the heptathlon (8th) and Kenzie Keune in the 60 meter hurdles (6th). Vander Ploeg also coached Karen (Hutson) Ettleman when she became a National Champion in the heptathlon in 2015, Ettleman was also an All-American in the 100 meter hurdles (7th, 8th), pentathlon (3rd), long jump (2nd), and the heptathlon (2nd).
Prior to joining the coaching staff at Northwestern, Vander Ploeg graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Northwestern (2003). While at Northwestern he was a four year letter winner in track and field. His collegiate career included being a six-time NAIA qualifier between indoor and outdoor competitions.
Tim's favorite verse is Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. "Great reminder to be in God's word daily to armor yourself against the devil," stated Vander Ploeg.
Recently, Coach Vander Ploeg has picked up Disc Golf as a side hobby.
Tim is married to his wife, Kelli. They have three children, Conner, Karli and Chase.
