GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport University is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Netzler as the head coach of the women's volleyball program. The team is coming off a great postseason run to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship game during the 2018 season. Netzler becomes the third coach in the program's history and will inherit a program that has a .528 (253-226) winning percentage since its inception in 2006.
"We are excited to tab someone with Brian's many facets of experience in coaching volleyball to lead our women's volleyball program," said executive director of intercollegiate athletics
Paul Lowden. "Brian communicated a strong recruiting plan that we feel will continue the success of our volleyball program in NCAA Division II and the GLIAC. Through the interview process, Brian was able to share with us his passion for the game and building relationships within his team and the community."
Netzler comes to Davenport from Miami University where he served as the first assistant coach since March 2017. His primary duties included running of skill specific drills and team drills, scouting of future opponents, creating and managing the operating budget, and in charge of travel administration. He also was the recruiting coordinator for the program.
Prior to working for the Red Hawks, Netzler was the first assistant coach at Austin Peay State University from July 2014-March 2017. Before that, he spent one year as a volunteer assistant coach with the University of Mississippi. His other coaching roles included a four-year stint as an assistant coach at Grand Valley State and one year as the assistant coach at Grand Rapids Community College.
In addition to his college coaching experience, Netzler spent nearly seven years as the master coach and national level coach for the Michigan Volleyball Academy. He ran practices for 40 teams and over 400 athletes each year.
Netzler graduated from Grand Valley State with a bachelor of science in movement science, with an emphasis in coaching. He also minored in history.
"I want to thank executive director of intercollegiate athletics
Paul Lowden, associate director of athletics
Ronda Varnesdeel and the volleyball search committee for this tremendous opportunity to represent Davenport University and lead the Panther volleyball program. From the moment I set foot on campus, it was evident that Davenport offers great academics, amazing facilities, and people who care about student-athletes and their experience. I am eager to get to work, and help this program reach its full potential. It is an exciting time to be a part of Davenport University, Panther Athletics, and the Grand Rapids community!" – Brian Netzler.
Story by:
Devin Steiner
Picture credit: Miami University Athletic Communications