Manfred Kindermann, a long-serving and highly respected Senior Academic Officer at the Münster Institute of Sport Science, passed away on November 12, 2025, at the age of 87.

Manfred Kindermann studied sports and German studies in Münster. From 1969 until 2003 (then at the Institute of Sport Science), he worked in the teacher training program at the former Institute of Physical Education, partly in university sports, teaching practical sports, particularly volleyball, water sports, and the popular rowing and skiing excursions, as well as the theory of physical education. Over the decades, he also held important positions within the institute, such as Managing Director of the Institute of Physical Education for internal administration in the 1970s, long-time spokesperson for the academic staff as chair of the MAK (Members' Committee), and also as chair of the subject conference.

Manfred Kindermann was a highly successful volleyball player for the University Sports Club (USC) Münster and was well-known both nationally and internationally, far beyond the city limits of Münster. He was one of the founders of USC Münster in 1961. At that time, the club was part of the university as the University Sports Club (USC). It wasn't until 1981 that USC Münster left the university and became an independent sports club (USC e.V.) for volleyball. After separating from the university, USC focused (and then very successfully) on women's volleyball.

From 1965 to 1970, Manfred Kindermann, by then also a national team player, won the German Championship (DVV) every year with the University Sports Club's men's team in the Bundesliga. He then took over as coach of the USC team and led them to two more German Championships, in 1971 and 1972. In 1972, he coached the West German national volleyball team that participated in the Summer Olympics in Munich.

The Institute is deeply grateful to Manfred Kindermann for his dedication to sports. Manfred Kindermann has represented the Institute and the University of Münster with great success. Furthermore, through his exceptional commitment, Manfred Kindermann has significantly contributed to volleyball becoming an integral and indispensable part of Münster's sporting landscape.

Prof. Dr. Bernd Strauß

Managing Director of the Institute of Sports & Exercise Science
Elite Sports Coordinator of the University of Münster