Shortly after retiring from coaching due to an ALS diagnosis, he swiftly transitioned to competing in the Lafayette Men’s City Golf Championship. Following a powerful tee shot that outdistanced his playing partners Paul Sadler, Casey Bartley, and Kevin Moore, he unleashed a triumphant high-pitched grunt.

Soldati refuses to let ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, control his way of life.

“I feel good,” Soldati said. “Professionally I feel very content at moving on and making a decision. Clearly I have full mobility. I just have some weakening and atrophy in my right hand and right arm. But still fully functional.”

Soldati shared his journey with ALS, discussing his interactions with medical professionals, adjustments to his fitness regimen, the origins of his positive outlook, connections forged with family through golf, fulfillment of his competitive spirit, and acceptance of the life-altering illness.

Soldati takes life into his own hands

Soldati was diagnosed with ALS and presented with “doomsday scenarios” when first meeting with doctors.

“At the beginning, it was thought that I wasn’t going to be fully functional a year from now and so I think I need to step away and capitalize that time with my family and my kids because you don’t know how fast this disease this disease can progress,” Soldati said. “But I think it’s switched.”

Soldati’s faith and Christian beliefs empowered him to maintain a positive outlook upon receiving his diagnosis.

“As God began to take me down his path exploring the Bible and his word, I’ve spent the last 20 years digging into that and it’s been a beautiful eye-opening understanding of the human existence,” Soldati said. “Where we come from, what we’re doing, what’s the point of our life and what’s the purpose of our life. There’s never been a moment of fear of death.”

Soldati shared how having ALS is teaching Blake, 18; Isaac, 16; Maiya, 14; Emi, 12; and twins Noah and Rylie, 10, to appreciate their lives and understand how fragile it can be.

And how his wife Kimiko, who he met in 1995 at Indiana, has continued to support him.

“It’s a great opportunity to teach our kids that we have to trust and believe in something greater than ourselves,” Soldati said. “Suffering is going to be a part of life. If we live long enough, we are going to suffer and lose a loved one. They are going to watch me be joyful and excited about life in the face of whatever God brings us.”

Soldati has delved into holistic approaches to fortify his body against ALS. He initiated a daily two-and-a-half-hour workout routine at Hotworx in West Lafayette, engaging in stretching, cycling, and light lifting. Hotworx offers exercise chambers equipped with saunas, enabling members to work out in heated environments.

“One thing I’ve realized going through this phase is you have to put your body through quite the detox,” Soldati said.

Family time, golf and change of coaching setting

Soldati mentions that he is relishing the opportunity to spend quality time with his family since retiring from coaching. A significant bond that Soldati shares with Blake and Isaac revolves around the sport of golf.

“A year ago some of my family came out and we did a golf scramble,” Soldati said. “(Blake) enjoyed it so we go out at 6:30 a.m. and play nine holes and over the last year, we picked up. Both twins play golf in a junior league and my wife plays as school gets back for the kids. We just enjoy the sport as a family activity and something healthy for me to do.”

Which led Soldati to compete at the Lafayette Men’s City Golf Championship.

“I enjoy doing this even though I’m outclassed,” Soldati said after shooting 103. “I got to figure out how to do tournament play but it’ll be good. You have to figure out the game just like my divers diving at their first Big Ten Conference Championship.”

He will not participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics as a coach or spectator this year, having dedicated the past four Olympic cycles to training divers. Coaching will continue to hold significant importance in Soldati’s life, albeit in a new environment.

“I’ve always had a passion for helping young men grow in their wisdom and helping them skillfully navigate life,” Soldati said. “It’s not just about how to become a great diver or how to become a great diver. From the age of 18-22 you have to learn to navigate life. You really become a life coach and I hope some of that never changes.”

‘Our biggest obstacle is ourselves’

Soldati realizes the challenges ahead but starts every morning by praying each day with Kimiko.

“The reason why we do this is to try and orient ourselves in the correct position,” Soldati said. “Today is not about trying to bring me glory or make me look good.

“Our own selfishness can be our biggest obstacle. The more I’m free from making things about me, it opens myself up to really love people, to be okay with failing and to be okay to succeed. The biggest obstacle for me is getting out of the way of myself.”

With however many moments, days, weeks, or years remain, Soldati emerges as a coach who left a lasting legacy. Beyond mentoring five Olympians, he entrusted his program to his top athlete, two-time gold medalist David Boudia.

His priority lies in savoring each passing moment. He devotes time to cherished ones and confronts ALS courageously.

“Whether God gives me two years or he gives me 30, however many he gives me, these are going to be sweet years,” Soldati said.