DALLAS, Pa. – Robert Wingert, alumnus of the Stevenson men's volleyball squad, is in his sixth year of being both the men's and women's volleyball head coach for Misericordia University, and has led the Cougars to great success.
Wingert was a decorated student-athlete at Stevenson slotting many accolades to include Continental Volleyball Conference Player of the Year, Second Team All-American, the NCAA All-Tournament Team and a finalist for Division III Setter of the Year in 2016. "I was lucky enough to be a part of some very special teams as a part of Stevenson University Men's Volleyball. But two things in particular really helped prepare me," stated Wingert. "Number one, was playing for my head coach Steve Grossnickle. Steve did such a fantastic job of connecting with all of us and extending his care to us as people off the floor in addition to athletes on the floor. Number two, was having a collection of fantastic teammates during my career. Our friendships have lasted well past graduation and being able to provide an experience where the Misericordia Volleyball program prioritizes that as well was of paramount importance to me."
During his time at Stevenson, Wingert was very involved within the athletic department, building his path into coaching. As a student-athlete, he had the privilege to work as a manager and student-assistant to head women's volleyball coach, David Trumbo, for two seasons, while also working in equipment management and serving on the National SAAC.
As a head coach at Misericordia, he has guided the women's team to three straight MAC Freedom championship appearances, and the men's team made it to the MAC and ECAC championship in their second season. When asked about his favorite part about coaching, Wingert said, "As much as I love getting on the floor and competing, watching your student-athletes mature and grow is easily number one. Beginning the process with them when they are 16 or 17 years old, and then playing your role in their maturation part is unmatched. Having them return for alumni events or key matches and hearing them talk about how much they miss Misericordia Volleyball and the memories they have from their time here is always extremely humbling."
"The beauty of the Division III model is that student-athletes get to build the experience that they are looking for," noted Wingert. If you are interested in entering the coaching field, Wingert suggests taking advantage of the opportunities in your own department and the conference office. "There are so many relationships built in the coaching world and it could open doors for you down the road. MAC student-athletes are so lucky for everything the conference does to help student-athletes take that next step into the world of coaching," said Wingert.
