Decorated diving coach steps down after recent diagnosis

Purdue's Adam Soldati, who coached 19 divers to national championships, is stepping down from his position as head diving coach, Purdue Athletics announced Thursday.

He's turning the program over to Olympian and former Purdue diver David Boudia, who became an assistant coach in 2021 with the understanding he would follow Soldati as head coach.

The switch follows a February ALS diagnosis for Soldati, who waited to inform athletes until after the NCAA championships in April. Soldati will remain director of diving for a short time once he officially hands the team over to Boudia in the fall.

Soldati has a wife and six children he plans to spend more time with in his new role.

"Beyond the countless accolades, Adam is a beloved husband and father to our six children – Blake, Isaac, Maiya, Emiko, Noah and Rylie – and a cherished friend to all he encounters," his wife, Kimiko, said in a news release. "He is a man who fiercely loves competition, sacrificially serves his family and community, and whose poise and affirmation always bring out the best in those around him.

"To know Adam is to like Adam. He is a man who loves life, embraces adversity, and has always found a way for obstacles and opposition to be the pathway to greater love, joy and personal growth."