Women's Volleyball
- Title:
- Volunteer Assistant
- Email:
- wvbops@bsu.edu
Stephanie Hernesman, who served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Ball State women's volleyball program in 2007 and 2008, was named co-head coach, along with her husband Hugh Hernesman, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on Dec. 22, 2010.
"Stephanie is an experienced, driven coach," said Ball State head coach Dave Boos upon bringing in Hernesman for the 2007 season. "It is very unique to have a volunteer assistant coach with the proven success and talents Stephanie brings to the program. As a former All-American, Stephanie will serve as a tremendous mentor for our athletes and be able to show them what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level."
In her two seasons at Ball State, Hernesman helped the Cardinals improve from a 5-25 (4-12 Mid-American Conference) record in 2007 to a 12-21 (6-10 MAC) mark in 2008. BSU advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2008 MAC Tournament, losing to eventual champion Ohio. Hernesman also helped tutor freshman Jennifer Boyd to All-MAC Second Team accolades in 2008, while both Boyd and Brittany McGinnis earned recognition on the MAC All-Freshman Team.
As a member of the Cowgirls' staff from 2004-06, her duties included creating and implementing a strength and conditioning program, as well as assisting with recruiting, organizing daily practices and on-court training. She was also responsible for training student managers, game management and organizing team apparel, plus served as the camp coordinator.
The founder and director of the West Texas Heat Volleyball Club in 2004, she was also the head coach for Milwaukee Sting from 2002-04, where her 15-Gold team took second place in the Open Division in 2003. Hernesman was also an assistant coach on the UW-Whitewater staff from 1999-2003.
Prior to her coaching career, Hernesman was a three-time AVCA All-American for the UWW women's volleyball team from 1995-1998. A three-time team Most Valuable Player, she helped guide the Warhawks to three WIAC Championships and four NCAA Division III Tournament Appearances - - including a national semifinal appearance.
Hernesman, who earned her bachelor's degree in business administration in finance from UWW in 2000, was named the Marty Van Steenderen Sportswoman of the Year in 1998.
Hernesman and her husband Hugh, an assistant coach for the Ball State women's volleyball team, have been married for seven years and have one son, Austin (3), and one daughter, Emma (4 months). Both have been active in the USA Volleyball High Performance program for the North Texas and Badger Regions.
