Volleyball's Carrie Lehocky Selected as AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year

Associate head coach Carrie Lehocky '07 infuses the Hope College volleyball team with expertise and enthusiasm.

The American Volleyball Coaches Association recognized Lehocky's contributions to the national quarterfinal-bound Flying Dutch and selected her as the 2024 AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year in NCAA Division III.

Lehocky is Hope's first recipient and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association's second since the program started in 2019.

Lehocky has served as associate head coach at her alma mater since 2022. She is the Flying Dutch's defensive coordinator, calls serves and manages team wellness.

"I think Carrie is deserving of this award. She is so selfless and is always looking out for the best interest of the team," head coach Becky Schmidt said. "From an expertise standpoint, she has worked very hard at her craft, a craft of coaching that is designed to put people in the best possible position to be successful. She gives the feedback they need to improve and the drive to want to take their next best steps forward."

This season, Hope has gone 28-2 overall while repeating as the MIAA regular-season and tournament champion for the first time in program history. The Flying Dutch also claimed a three-peat of NCAA regional titles.

Hope competes in the national quarterfinals on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. in Salem, Virginia. The Flying Dutch, who finished as national runner-up in 2023, seek their second national title in program history. Hope was a national champion in 2014.

Lehocky has helped Schmidt coach four All-Americans this season, including first-teamers Lauren Lee at setter and Addie VanderWeide at outside hitter, one third-teamer in outside hitter Annie Lockett and an honorable-mention selection in middle hitter Alison DeWeerd.

Lehocky is a joy to coach with, Schmidt said.

"Carrie has a passion for this game but an even greater passion for influencing the lives of our student-athletes," Schmidt said. "She makes every day really fun. I am so thankful she is a partner in this journey."

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Players Mentioned

#17 Alison DeWeerd: MH; 6' 0"; Senior; Social Work

#11 Lauren Lee: S; 5' 7"; Junior; Chemistry

#4 Annie Lockett: OH; 6' 1"; Senior; Business

#22 Addie VanderWeide: OH; 6' 1"; Senior; Business

Players Mentioned

#17 Alison DeWeerd
: 6' 0"; Senior; Social Work
: MH

#11 Lauren Lee
: 5' 7"; Junior; Chemistry
: S

#4 Annie Lockett
: 6' 1"; Senior; Business
: OH

#22 Addie VanderWeide
: 6' 1"; Senior; Business
: OH