SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Mary Whitehead, Evangel's head volleyball coach since 2000, has announced that her 27th season will be her last as she will retire from the profession at season's end.
"After a season of reflection, prayer, and many heartfelt conversations with my family, I have peacefully made the decision to make the 2026 volleyball season my last," said Whitehead. "It has been my greatest privilege to lead this program, and I look forward to seeing what the next leader can do with the foundation we have built. Closing this chapter will be difficult, but I do it with thankfulness in my heart and great anticipation for the opportunities God has in store for my life after coaching."
The Evangel Athletics Hall of Famer, Coach Whitehead boasts a 575-329 head coaching record, the winningest head coach in Evangel Volleyball history. Whitehead claimed her 500th career victory in 2022 on the road against Bethel College and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Fall of 2024. Evangel Volleyball currently ranks 18th in the NAIA for total wins (1,038) with Whitehead earning over 50 percent of those wins in her coaching career. Whitehead also ranks 12th in wins for all active head coaches in the NAIA.
"Coach Mary Whitehead has established one of the most distinguished coaching careers in Evangel University history," stated Chuck Hepola, Evangel Athletic Director. "As a Hall of Fame coach, her championships, commitment to excellence, and Christ-centered leadership have impacted generations of student-athletes and elevated our volleyball program to national prominence. We are deeply grateful for her extraordinary legacy and look forward to celebrating her throughout her final season."
Evangel Volleyball is set to open its season on August 21st, as it travels to Oklahoma City to compete at the OCU Invitational. EU's first home contest is set for August 25th at home against Central Methodist at 6:00 p.m., in AGFinancial Arena.
For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, X (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.
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