Volleyball

The Official Site for NIACC Trojan Volleyball

Volleyball Coaching Staff

 
                                                              

Mary Jo Vrba - Head Coach

After spending four years as NIACC’s head softball coach, Mary Jo Vrba accepted the head volleyball coaching position in November 2007, replacing Ted Bieth. Vrba is no stranger to NIACC volleyball, having played on two national-qualifying teams for the Trojans in 1994 and 1995 while she was a student here. She has also coached at two NCAA Division III schools, Loras College in Dubuque and Wartburg College in nearby Waverly, before returning to Mason City to begin her coaching career at NIACC.

A native of Mason City, Vrba was a four-sport athlete at Newman Catholic High School before beginning her collegiate athletic career at NIACC. Along with being a key player in the Trojans’ volleyball program under Joyce Ruehlow, Vrba earned All-Region XI honors in basketball and was an All-America player in softball as a catcher/outfielder at NIACC. She was named the school’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1996.

 

Vrba transferred to Wartburg and was team captain in both softball and basketball, earning All-Conference honors in the latter sport, before earning her undergraduate degree. Following graduation, Vrba became an assistant volleyball coach for the Knights, helping the program compile a 26-4 record and a Division III playoff berth. She eventually coached three years for Wartburg’s volleyball program (1998-2000) before heading to Loras, where she was a head softball coach and an assistant volleyball coach for the Duhawks from 2000-2003.

 

In 2007, Vrba’s softball team finished 21-20 overall, the first winning season at NIACC since 2002. In 2006, the Trojans compiled a 22-23 mark. Vrba currently lives in Mason City.

 

Coach Vrba can be reached by email at vrbamary@niacc.edu or by phone at 641-422-4179.

 

Sarah Buhrow - Assistant Coach

Sarah Buhrow joins our coaching staff after playing for 4 years at Waldorf College in neighboring Forest City, IA.  While at Waldorf, Buhrow received All-Academic All-Conference honors and was a member of the Dean's List all four years.  She graduated with a major in Psychology and minor in Wellness.  Sarah will also be working as the Sports Information Director in the athletics office.  A native of Cedar Falls, IA, Sarah brings experience in all aspects of the game, and specializes in hitting and skill development. 

 

Sarah can be reached by email at buhrosar@niacc.edu or by phone at 641-422-4416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christine Brandt - Assistant Coach

Chris Brandt joins the NIACC coaching staff as a volunteer assistant for the 2008 season.  Brandt brings over 10 years of volleyball experience to the program.  She was an assistant varsity volleyball coach and head sophomore coach at Mason City High School from 2002-2006.  Prior to this, Brandt was a volunteer assistant for Lake Mills High School.  In the mid to late 90's, Coach Brandt spent time as an assistant at both Clarksville High School and Holmes Junior High in Cedar Falls, IA. 

Chris is currently a Developmental Math Instructor at NIACC.  She received her undergraduate from the University of Northern Iowa in 1997, and is currently working on her Masters in Education at Morningside College.

 

 

Coach Brandt can be reached by email at brandchr@niacc.edu or by phone at 641-422-4373.  You can also check out her webpage at: http://staff.niacc.edu/cbrandt/