Riley Woldt

"I think there is great potential to continue moving the program forward, and it starts with the wonderfully talented players that are already here," Woldt said. "I look forward to celebrating Lawrence's rich tradition of academic excellence and dedication to creating a diverse university community as we grow the program. I also admire the direction and positive energy that is clearly evident within the athletic department." 

Woldt began his college coaching career at Lawrence when he served as an assistant under Hall of Fame head coach Amy Proctor from 2005-07. During that stretch, Lawrence compiled a 32-16 record and qualified for the MWC Tournament in both seasons.

Woldt spent 10 seasons at St. Norbert College under legendary coach Connie Tilley. During that time, Woldt has been a key component in seven MWC championships and seven NCAA Division III Tournament berths. St. Norbert has compiled a 206-51 record during Woldt's tenure.

"I'm eager to bring my knowledge and experiences competing within the Midwest Conference to our program here at Lawrence," Woldt said. "I'm blessed to have had mentors like former Lawrence head coach Amy Proctor and St. Norbert head coach Connie Tilley open doors for me and provide me with so many opportunities to grow as a coach and be successful in the MWC. These experiences are invaluable as we look to build Lawrence into an annual conference contender."

Woldt, who received a Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Coaching Staff of the Year award during his time at St. Norbert, has assisted in the development of one All-American, two D3hoops.com all-region selections and 27 all-conference performers. While working at St. Norbert, the Green Knights have finished in the top 20 in all of NCAA Division III for scoring defense, field goal percentage, assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio. 

"I envision a program that values creating connections with people and building meaningful relationships that last a lifetime," Woldt said. "In doing so, the Lawrence women's basketball program will maintain a culture that focuses on developing confidence in oneself, molding the strengths of many into a true team and instilling great pride in current performance and past success. Everyone involved in and around the program will feel empowered to do the right things, serve others and relentlessly pursue excellence on the basketball court, in the classroom and in life. As a result, our program will continually provide opportunities for individual growth and put our team in a position to win."

Woldt, who served as the head girls' basketball coach at Green Bay Southwest High School from 1995-2005, earned a bachelor's degree in human development from UW-Green Bay in 1997. He also earned bachelor's degrees in special education and physical education and health from UW-Oshkosh. He received his master's degree in educational technology from Marian University in 2011.