MARION, Ind. – Indiana Wesleyan University Athletics announces that Deane Webb, the current Athletic Director, will step down from his administrative role to become the inaugural head coach of the university's new Men's Volleyball program, set to begin its first season of competition in Spring 2027.
 
"I am truly thankful to the IWU administration that support all that is happening in and through IWU Athletics," said Deane Webb. "We have felt God's favor, and we've done our best to steward that favor by sharing it with others. As I worked as an administrator to create the men's volleyball program, I felt God's leading to return to coaching. My wife and I have prayed through this with a few people that we trust for both prayer and discernment.  At the conclusion of that time, we clearly felt God calling us back into this important role."
 
As Athletic Director at IWU for the past four years, Webb has led the department to unprecedented heights in the NAIA. Under his leadership, IWU has achieved four consecutive years in the Top 5 standings of the Learfield Directors' Cup, secured a combined 12 NAIA individual and team national championships, and earned three Crossroads League All-Sports Trophies.
 
"When I returned to IWU as an athletic director, I entered a department that both desired and achieved excellence at a level I hadn't experienced before, but that is only a part of the story," continued Webb. "What our coaches do every day to disciple their student-athletes is inspiring and a true blessing.  I have said to many people, and I really believe this to be true, that it is the best AD job in the country."
 
This transition marks a full-circle moment for Webb, who began his distinguished volleyball coaching career at IWU in 1997, leading the women's volleyball team to remarkable success. Thirty years later in 2027, he will embark on a new chapter by leading the new men's program their first season.
 
"Deane has a demonstrated track record of success with over 20 years of coaching at the NCAA Division 1 level, and I could not be more excited to have him at the helm of our new Men's Volleyball program," said Brian Jaworski, Vice President of Student Development and Athletics. "He is a builder and has proven that he has what it takes to lead programs to unmatched success. And although his coaching resume speaks for itself, his godly character, wisdom, and heart for discipleship are what excites me most making Deane the perfect fit to lead a new group of young men."
 
Webb's illustrious coaching career spans 24 seasons from 1997 to 2021.  At Indiana Wesleyan University, he transformed the women's volleyball program, taking it from a 7-31 record to an outstanding 43-4 in just four years, setting a foundation of excellence. His success continued at Belmont University, where he coached for 11 seasons, becoming the youngest Division I coach in the country to reach 300 wins. At Belmont, he led the women's team to three conference championships and the school's first-ever NCAA tournament appearance for any women's sport. Later, at Ohio University for seven seasons, Webb secured two conference championships and became the youngest Division I coach to achieve 400 wins.
 
"IWU has added men's volleyball with both the desire and support to compete nationally," continued Webb. "We have the opportunity to use a volleyball focused facility once our basketball teams move to the arena in fall of 2026.  Our two-time national champion women's volleyball program put IWU on the volleyball map, and men's volleyball can continue growing that visibility. I would like to thank both Dr. Kulaga and Dr. Jaworski for their willingness to allow me to transition out of directing the athletic department into coaching our men's volleyball program within the department, and I look forward to building this program in a manner that will honor God and represent IWU well."
 
"Indiana Wesleyan University's mission statement begins with a declaration of being a Christ-centered academic community and a commitment to develop students in character, scholarship, and leadership," continued Jaworski. "Our mission permeates through every department on this campus, including through every sports team and coach. IWU has been on the leading edge of Christian Higher Education for decades and we are looking for a dynamic leader to help us innovate and elevate our Athletic Department to new heights. This is one of the best Athletic Departments, not just at the NAIA level, but across all levels. Incredible student-athletes. Coaches who love to disciple students in their faith and are top-notch coaches. I am excited to see who God brings to our community."
 



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