Huddle Up, And Make a Difference!

Jan, Nancy, & Emily share a glimpse of the work

God has done in and through them by participating in the

Coaches Wives Huddle...

February 2024

Jan Bahlmann is married to Coach Terry Bahlmann, Head Football Coach for the Marshall Tigers. Coach Bahlmann is not new to coaching, in fact, over the years he has served as a Head Coach for Track, Baseball, and Football, logging an impressive cumulative head coaching career of 41 (and counting) years!

I am one of the original Huddle starters for the Coaches Wives. We've welcomed many new faces to the group over the past several years. There's such a sweet fellowship in gathering as coaches wives knowing we've been through similar experiences. Friendships have blossomed, faith has grown, and the blessings have been abundant.

The Coaches Wives Huddle has given me the opportunity to be intentional about studying the Bible. During our Huddle gatherings I am able to gleen insight and hear different points of view from discussions related to the current study or book we are reading. We all have different perspectives so coming together under the authority of Scripture to talk about them is supremely beneficial.

My husband shares the mantra of "Faith, Family, Football" with players and parents every year. God comes first, family comes second, then comes football.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Favorite Sports Team: Green Bay Packers / Iowa Hawkeyes and any team our former HS football players are currently playing for!

Favorite Coaches Wives Huddle Study: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

Nancy Blanchard is married to Coach Paul Blanchard who spent 27 years of his career coaching the SMSU Mustang Baseball team before his retirement in 2023.

My favorite part about being involved in the Coaches Wives Huddle is the fellowship and camaraderie with women who walk a similar path, women who understand the challenges that being a Coach's wife presents. This Huddle has been instrumental in keeping me in the Word and empowering me to go out and share God's grace and mercy and love.

I'm extremely thankful for the fruit of peace that God has been growing in me throughout my time in this Huddle. Not too long ago my family went through a big health scare with Paul and being encouraged to not only believe, but claim and trust God's sovereignty over my life and the lives of those I love has been so reassuring.

The Coaches Wives Huddle has also helped me to support my husband by riding the waves of wins and losses with an eternal perspective. As a Coach, my husband has a unique opportunity to grow and nurture relationships within the team such that the scoreboard becomes a secondary motivator, the 'cherry on top'.

The fruit continues to grow in other areas of my life as well. Paul and I started the Maggie Jean Foundation because of one of the Coaches Wives Huddle studies, taking to heart what the study was teaching and what God was calling us to do.

Here are a couple of Bible verses that sum up God's work on my heart since joining the Coaches Wives Huddle:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8



For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves,

it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8

Favorite Sports Team: Minnesota Gophers

Favorite Bible Story: The Woman at the Well

Favorite Coaches Wives Huddle Study: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

Emily Pollock is married to Coach Chace Pollock, Marshall High School Varsity Baseball Coach, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, and Director of the Marshall Area Youth Baseball Association.  He also coaches a Junior Legion team along with their son’s traveling baseball team in the summer. 

I love learning and growing together with like-minded Christians who love Jesus and are living alongside me as a coach’s wife. In this Huddle we're granted a safe space to talk about issues that concern us as coaches wives, offer them up in prayer, and learn what God has to say about them by diving into the Bible.

Our very first Huddle study was made specifically for coaches wives and hit on every single thing I was frustrated over, had worried about, failed at, and had experienced. It showed me what confidence in God looked like and taught me that God has a reason for setting me where He has sovereignly placed me as a Coach's wife.

My faith has grown so much since joining this Huddle! I’m eager to open God’s Word daily, more willing to ask questions, and truly soak in all that God has laid before me. This Huddle, this fellowship with these ladies, and God's Word have all impacted and grown my love for Jesus, positively affecting my relationships at home and in my circle of influence. I'm beyond grateful for the mentorship and leadership in the Coaches Wives Huddle and for all who have encouraged and supported growth in my personal relationship with Jesus.

The new growth that the Coaches Wives Huddle has sparked in me personally has also impacted my husband in many positive ways. Some of the things that are important to our faith include prayer, reading the Bible, doing devotions, and being involved in a life group through our church. I'm so grateful for the gifts I have been given that allow me to encourage and support my husband in bringing God's light into the sports he loves. 

God is truly incredible and has used this Huddle to plant and cultivate the seed in my life and in my husband's too. I stand here now with my husband - growing, praying, and loving our Savior together. Thanks be to God!

This is the Bible verse that leads my life:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Favorite Sports Team: Chicago White Sox

Favorite Book of the Bible: Job - I have referred to it many times when in need or when supporting a friend in need. God is faithful.  

Favorite Coaches Wives Huddle Study: Just Ask: Devotions for the Coach’s Wife This devotion paved the way for me to know and receive all that God has for me.

 ROBIN KNUDSON rknudson@fca.org

SW MN Area Director

WENDY GRAVEN  wgraven@fca.org

SW MN Administrative Assistant