SIOUX FALLS – Mariah McPartland, who has NCAA DI playing and NCAA DII coaching experience, has been named assistant coach for volleyball at the University of Sioux Falls, according to an announcement today by USF Head Coach Dan Mathews.

Prior to joining USF in March, McPartland was an assistant coach for NCAA DII and NSIC member Southwest Minnesota State for two years with Head Coach Terry Culhane. In 2019, she was part of a staff that directed SMSU to an 18-10 record and 12-8 mark in the NSIC. In 2020, the season was canceled due to the CoVID-19 pandemic.

In her time playing at East Tennessee State University the team made two NCAA tournament appearances, won two regular season championships, and one conference tournament. McPartland, who is originally from Boone, Iowa, looks forward to the great opportunity to work with USF Volleyball.

"Mariah is the right fit for our program in many ways. As coaches, we view ourselves primarily as teachers.  Mariah has an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in education, which makes her an expert in teaching methods and learning science.  This will be a tremendous asset in helping our players change," said Mathews. "Second, Mariah has competed at a very high level.  She understands the nuances of volleyball and can provide invaluable insights. Additionally, Mariah has 2 years of experience in the NSIC. She understands how our opponents play, what it takes to be successful in our conference and which potential recruits are the right fit for our ambitions at USF. Finally, Mariah has a true Midwestern work ethic and a 'chip-on-the-shoulder' attitude.  She is engaging with the players and her enthusiasm in training is already becoming contagious. I am very grateful that she accepted our invitation to be an integral part of our team and staff," he said.

McPartland was a standout middle hitter at NCAA DI East Tennessee State. She played in 116 career matches while recording 559 kills and 337 blocks for the Buccaneers. As a senior in 2018, McPartland led the team with 143 blocks and ranked fourth on the squad with 234 kills.

A 2019 graduate of ETSU with a degree in elementary education, she has completed her master's degree in education at SMSU.