The Stephens Stars have added a new Head Volleyball Coach to the roster. Let's get to know Coach Hans!
Introduce yourself, tell us your sports background, and how you got to Stephens College.
I am from Wichita with my 3-year-old Aussie, Ozzie. My passion resides in God, as reflected in my dedication to my faith, and I find joy in being active in the outdoors and through physical activity. In addition to my commitment to volleyball, my family is deeply rooted in Wichita and look forward to maintaining those connections while embarking on my new journey with Stephens College.
Why Stephens?
One of my passions is building strong relationships within my program and at the school, whether that be student-athletes or co-workers. I believe Stephens is a place where I can use my time and talents to invest in my program and within the community. I believe I can leave a lasting positive impact on the program and at the institution.
What are you looking forward to this year?
What is your motivation or inspiration to work in athletics?
I am a seasoned competitor in my own right, my passion for volleyball ignited during my high school years and continued into my collegiate career. Throughout my coaching career, I have found a passion in nurturing numerous student athletes. My motivation comes from the heart, I have a genuine love for supporting those around me through their collegiate careers. I have been inspired through past experiences and relationships made with a few lifelong mentors.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
- Kerry Walsh; American professional beach volleyball player, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and a one-time Olympic bronze medalist. She is the beach volleyball leader in career victories as of 2016 having won 135 international and domestic tournaments. She was also the first player in PAC-10 history to record over 1,500 kills (1,553), 1,200 digs (1,285) and 500 blocks (502). The Cardinals won four Pac-10 titles and three times reached the NCAA Final Four, winning the title in 1996 and 1997, and falling to Penn State in the championship game in her senior year in 1999. She was selected as the MVP of the Final Four in 1996,[11] and was co-National Player of the Year in 1999
- Misty May-Treanor ; retired American professional beach volleyball player. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Most successful female beach volleyball player having won 112 tournaments in domestic and international competition Beach partners with Kerry Walsh.
- April Ross; American beach volleyball player and three-time Olympic medalist. She won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics with Jennifer Kessy, a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics with Kerri Walsh Jennings, and a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics with Alix Klineman.
- Zoe Fleck - NCAA Texas Libero, Two Time Pac-12 Libero of the year.
- Kelly Hunter - NCAA Nebraska Setter, Two Time All American , Two Time National Champ, Currently NE Asst. Coach
- Kathryn Plummer - NCAA Standford Outside, FOY, Player of the Year '18, National Player of the Year '18.
Welcome to the team, Coach Hans!
#starpower #stephensproud