Following a 4–7 conference record last season (9–15 overall), former head volleyball coach Maggie Meixl resigned, leaving as the winningest coach in program history, as well as earning the 2021 MIAC coach of the year honor. In July of this year, they hired Buffalo, MN native Kylee Zumach.
Hamline fans have a lot to look forward to in their new coach. Zumach previously served as the head coach of Buffalo High School’s volleyball team and the assistant coach at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Before her coaching days began, Zumach was a star outside hitter for the D1 Kansas State Wildcats, earning Big 12 freshman of the year, first team All-Big 12 and an All-American honorable mention to cap off her college career.
Coming in as a brand new coach, Zumach immediately felt welcomed by the incumbent roster of Pipers.
“Aside from the many accolades the senior class has garnered over the years, what really impresses me about this group was their ability to adapt to a completely different coaching style and buy in. I got hired in July with the season starting in August. That’s a fast turnaround and can be incredibly stressful for a group that has already been here for three years,a decorated three years may I add,” Zumach said in an email, ”I got on campus and they were all incredibly helpful. I had a group of juniors bring me on a tour around campus, I had seniors open up and be very transparent and raw with me—which is never easy—and most importantly they have bought into my message and preached it to the underclassman. I am really blessed.”
Senior Riley Melby sang the praises of her new head coach.
“Coach Zumach has already brought so much good to this program,” Melby said, “Her lively personality mixed with her high-level experience in volleyball has brought so much energy and confidence to our team. She holds high expectations for us, and we are excited to bring grit and hustle to the court this season.”
The team kill leader has big goals in mind for this upcoming volleyball season, most importantly to win their first MIAC tournament championship.
“We have big goals this season, and we are going in with a different approach. Maxing out our offensive productivity, plyometric/ lifting sessions, and making each play count can give us the tools we need to control our game. Coach Zumach has been throwing around a lot of creative ways to maximize our shoulder mobility strength, perfecting fundamentals and team chemistry. We are eager to see what this season will bring!” Melby said.
The Pipers will continue their season on Sep. 13 as they travel to Ripon to compete against Alverno (2–3), Maranatha Baptist (0–4), Carrol (8–2) and finally the host Ripon (5–3).