My Passion for Sports and Coaching
By Annika Pingel, Assistant Track and Field/Cross Country Coach
I grew up in Pella, Iowa, where my passion for sports and coaching was born. My parents were actively involved in coaching my various sports teams, shaping my early understanding of the kind of coach I wanted to become. My connection to Doane University stems from my father’s relationship with the head track and field coach Ed Fye. They had known each other as competitors, which opened the door for me to join Doane’s track and cross-country teams.
I arrived at Doane University in August of 2018, eager to run track and cross country. During my time as a student-athlete, I earned the honor of being a two-time All-American in the 800 meters, and I had the privilege of being part of some incredible teams and relay squads. More than just athletic achievements, my time at Doane was defined by the incredible coaching staff who profoundly shaped who I am today.
As an athlete, I was coached by Ed Fye, Brad Jenny, and Dustin Lewellyn. These coaches not only refined my physical abilities but also helped mold the type of coach and person I strive to be. At Doane, it became clear that being part of the track and field team was more than just “playing track,” as Ed Fye would often say.
The lessons I learned went far beyond running mechanics, race strategies, and the pursuit of speed. These coaches instilled in me the values of empathy, selflessness, accountability, collaboration, and leadership. They did this through their dedication to building relationships with each athlete, always maintaining an open-door policy where we could talk about anything life threw our way. They constantly reminded us that we were more than just runners, emphasizing that our value was not defined by our athletic achievements. They didn’t just teach me how to be a better runner — they taught me how to be a better teammate, student, leader, and human being. Their coaching style was not transactional, where results were the only focus; it was transformational, impacting me in ways that extended far beyond the track.
One of the most memorable moments of my career came after my final race at outdoor nationals. Ed Fye approached me and offered me a coaching position as the men’s and women’s sprints coach. Without hesitation, I said yes. I knew it was a rare opportunity to join a coaching staff that I deeply admired and to work alongside people who had shaped me into a great athlete and person. They offered me full autonomy to implement my own training, while also creating an environment where I could grow and learn from them.
Now in my second year as a coach at Doane, I constantly reflect on the influence of Ed, Brad, and Dustin on my coaching style. Many of the principles I apply today were learned from them.
I strive to be athlete-centered in my approach, making sure that I’m there for my athletes through all aspects of their development. I understand the significant influence a coach has on their athletes, and it’s essential they trust me — not just as a coach, but as someone who cares about their well-being both on and off the track.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned from my coaches is the importance of explaining why I make certain decisions or implement specific training methods. Building trust and fostering buy-in starts with transparency. Just as my coaches believed in me and supported my growth, I want my athletes to know that I believe in them and am invested in their journeys.
The coaches at Doane University have had a profound impact on my life, shaping not only my time as an athlete but also inspiring the way I approach my role as a coach today. Their transformational style, their care for the whole person, and their emphasis on growth and independence are all things I hope to pass on to the athletes I now coach.
The blog posts in Forward. Together. are intended to foster an inclusive community of empathy and curiosity at Doane University by providing a glimpse into various individual identities and worldviews. These are community members’ unique stories and should not be presumed to be the experience of all who share the same identity.
