BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb University announced Eric Plunkett as its new head volleyball coach on Monday afternoon.
 
Plunkett joins the Gardner-Webb program after serving as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Illinois State since 2012.
 
"From the outset of our search, we set out to find a coach with the energy and ambition to engineer a major turnaround for our volleyball program," shared Gardner-Webb President Dr. William M. Downs.  "We needed a winner … someone who had been part of conference championships and who is hungry for more.  I believe we've found that in Coach Plunkett, and I can't wait to see him turn our Runnin' Bulldogs into contenders."
 
During his time with Illinois State, Plunkett played a key role in guiding the Redbirds to four Missouri Valley Conference titles and four appearances in the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship Tournament. In addition to his role as recruiting coordinator, Plunkett had a hand in several key areas within the program, including scouting, player development and execution of practice plans.
 
"Eric checked all of the boxes we were looking for in our next volleyball coach," said Vice President for Athletics Chuck Burch. "He brings a wealth of experience, both as a former student-athlete and coach, and understands the mission and values of Gardner-Webb University. I look forward to see the impact Eric makes on our program."
 
Plunkett, a native of San Jose, Calif., also spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the men's team at Clarke University in Iowa and was a volunteer assistant on staff with the University of Mississippi in 2011. While at Clarke, he helped develop the program's first NAIA All-America selection and was tasked with organizing fundraising efforts for the program along with his other duties.
 
In addition to his degree in kinesiology from California Baptist in 2008, Plunkett earned a master's degree in coaching and athletics administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2019.
 
"I am extremely grateful and excited to be the next head coach of the Gardner-Webb University volleyball program," said Plunkett. "I want to thank Dr. Downs, Chuck Burch, Pam Scruggs and all of the coaches and staff at Gardner-Webb for entrusting me to lead the program. I want to work with great people, and that is what we have at Gardner-Webb University.
 
"I also want to thank [Illinois State head coach] Leah Johnson, Leanna Bordner and Kyle Brennan for their unconditional support in my transition from Illinois State to Gardner-Webb. Through my support system at ISU to my new family at GWU, I am confident I can build something special at Gardner-Webb. I look forward to getting on campus with our team in preparation for the 2021 season.
 
Plunkett was the starting setter at California Baptist University for three seasons and was selected team captain as a senior. He led CBU to three NAIA National Championships and was a two-time All-NAIA Invitational Team choice.
 
Plunkett keyed a very successful home court advantage for the Lancers, helping the squad post a 58-4 mark over four seasons in home matches. California Baptist posted 32 wins over NCAA Division I or Division II foes during Plunkett's career and lost only four matches in four seasons to NAIA foes.
 
Plunkett posted a career-high 71 assists vs. UC Santa Barbara as a sophomore. He remains first in the Lancers' record book with 12.06 assists per set and ranks third with 3,739 career helpers.
 
Gardner-Webb volleyball competes as a member of NCAA Division I and the Big South Conference.
 
Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.