Monmouth College has a new head volleyball coach with the hiring of Hope Neargarder. A native of Union City, Ohio, Neargarder was the head coach at Northland College the last two seasons
“I feel very grateful to be joining the Monmouth College community and be a part of this strong athletic department surrounded by great athletes and coaches, ” said Neargarder. “I want to thank Director of Athletics, Roger Haynes, for giving me this opportunity to lead the volleyball program. I am excited to take on this new adventure and get to work!”
Neargarder led the LumberJills for two seasons and the 2024 team included three CSC Academic All-District selections. The 2023 squad went 9-15 with a 5-9 record in UMAC play. The 2023 team had nine Academic All-Conference selections and one Honorable Mention All-Conference selection.
“Hope has strong knowledge of NCAA Division III and Midwest Conference volleyball as both an assistant and head coach,” said athletic director Roger Haynes. “We believe she can bring a combination of work ethic and team culture to a group that was successful last season.”
Prior to joining Northland, Neargarder was an assistant coach at Illinois College for two seasons, helping the Lady Blues to a pair of MWC Tournament appearances. She was also an assistant coach at Division III Wilmington College and a club coach in Ohio. Neargarder started her coaching career at Division 1 Miami (Ohio) University as a graduate assistant from 2017-19.
As a player, Neargarder appeared in 95 matches for Defiance College as an outside hitter. She averaged 1.73 kills per set as a senior in 2016 while majoring in athletic training. In addition to volleyball, Neargarder played basketball at Mississinawa Valley High School in Ohio.
***Courtesy of Nathan Baliva, Monmouth College***
