Bret Stothart Steps Down as Volleyball Coach at Western New England

Stothart took charge of the volleyball program in 2011 with the Golden Bears coming off a 10-20 campaign, and guided the team to a 15-15 record in his first season. Western New England continued to improve over the next two years, posting consecutive 25-win showings in 2012 and 2013 and capturing back-to-back Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Championships. The Emmaus, PA native was recognized as the CCC Coach of the Year for the second time in his career following the 2012 campaign after leading the program to its first ever postseason title.

 

Stothart guided the Golden Bears to a combined 33-26 record over the last two seasons, including a 19-13 mark in 2014 that featured a 7-1 CCC ledger. He leaves Western New England with an overall record of 98-57 (28-12 CCC), while his .632 winning percentage is the best in program history.

 

"Bret has had an undeniable impact on our women's volleyball program," Theulen said. "From the moment that he arrived, he raised the level of the program to heights never seen before. Bret's commitment to the overall development of all of the members of his team in the classroom, on the court, and how they represented our University was remarkable. He has left a lasting legacy of excellence that has benefited everyone in our athletic family. We wish Bret and his lovely family all the best as he moves away from us and on to his next challenge."

 

During Stothart's five-year tenure, 21 Golden Bears earned All-CCC accolades, highlighted by two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Honorable Mention All-American Grace Kucharski. Kucharski also became the program's first ever CoSIDA Academic All-American with her selection in 2014.

 

"It was a difficult decision to leave the Western New England volleyball program knowing the tremendous progress we have made and the extraordinary opportunities still ahead," Stothart said. "The team is in a great position to move forward building on everything our returners and alums have accomplished in recent years. From multiple postseason championships and numerous program firsts and individual achievements, this program is competing at the highest level in its history. The deep-rooted culture these strong young women have developed, built around "The WNE Way" and its commitment to excellence, will surely enable the team to reach even greater heights in the future."

 

Prior to his time at Western New England, Stothart served as head coach at fellow CCC program Roger Williams for six seasons, compiling a 124-74 record and a .626 winning percentage. He was named CCC Coach of the Year for the first time in 2010, and led Roger Williams to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2009-10.

 

A 1998 graduate of Springfield College, Stothart earned his bachelor's degree in sport management and enjoyed a standout four-year volleyball career. After leading the Pride to the Division III National Championship in 1997, he was selected as the Volleyball Magazine Division III National Player of the Year. In addition, Stothart was Springfield's Most Valuable Player in 1997 and 1998, and the school's Senior Male Athlete of the Year. He also excelled in the classroom, where he was a three-time GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-American from 1996-98. Stothart went on to earn his master of business administration degree from Niagara University in 2005.