Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) assistant volleyball coach Mark Wimberley provides instruction during a practice at Tarlton Complex. He has been honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as its Assistant Coach of the Year for two-year colleges./PHOTO BY CODY DALTON, CATAWBA VALLEY ATHLETICS
HobbsDailyReport.com
HICKORY – Mark Wimberley of Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) has been named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Assistant Coach of the Year for Two-Year Colleges.
Wimberley just completed his eighth season as a Red Hawks assistant. He joined the CVCC coaching staff in 2010 after retiring from the North Carolina Forest Service after 28 years.
WIMBERLEY
He has helped shape CVCC’s program in his role as recruiting coordinator. His first two recruiting classes went undefeated in the regular season, and he’s helped the program win seven straight conference championships, all of them with unbeaten conference records.
“It’s so flattering and humbling to be recognized on a national level by an organization like AVCA,” Wimberley said in a CVCC press release. “Coaching is really about the athletes. If they are successful then it reflects on us as a coaching staff.
“Winning an award such as this is a testament to our program. I am extremely grateful for the support of our school — from the sports staff, professors, event staff and especially the coaching staff. It makes my ‘work’ not just easier, but a dream come true.
“Coaching is a blessing for me. This prestigious award wouldn’t be possible without the constant backing from my wife and family.
“It’s awesome that AVCA gives the platform, knowledge and support for coaches to help grow the game that we love.”
Wimberley recruited four of CVCC’s five All-Americans in volleyball, including Jennifer Beatty, Megan Fair, Mariah Wallace and most recently Emma Clark.
“The Assistant Coach of the Year Award could not have gone to a more deserving person than coach Mark,” CVCC head coach Shannon Hudson said in the press release. “Mark is one of the most hard-working, passionate and selfless people I know.
“I can say without a doubt that our Red Hawks program would not be what it is today without the countless amount of time, energy and dedication that coach Mark has given.
“Mark and I started coaching together more than eight years ago, and I can’t imagine coaching without him. I have learned so much from him about volleyball, but more than that, I’ve learned life lessons and have been able to glean from the wisdom he has to offer.
“His zeal for life is contagious, and he helps to make every season an adventure. It truly is a blessing to work with coach Mark Wimberly, and I’m so thankful that God allowed our paths to cross.”
Before coming to CVCC, Wimberley was a successful coach at the club and recreation levels.
Off the court, Wimberley is heavily involved in his church, and both he and his wife, Carla, volunteer at the Crisis Pregnancy Center in his hometown of Lincolnton. He also goes on a yearly mission trip every summer.
Wimberley’s honor is the second AVCA award received by CVCC’s program, as Hudson was named the Northeast-Southeast Region Coach of the Year.
The CVCC coaches will receive their honors during the 2018 Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon in Minneapolis on Thursday, which is part of the 2018 American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention on Wednesday through Dec. 16.
- Reported by CVCC Sports Information