Pender Named Head Women's Volleyball Coach

PAXTON, MA— The Anna Maria College Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Kevin Pender as their new Head Womens' Volleyball Coach.

"I could not be more thrilled for the opportunity to join and lead the Anna Maria Womens' Volleyball Team." Pender said of taking the reins of the program. "I am grateful for Athletic Director Joe Brady, President Mary Lou Retelle as well as the supporting athletic staff for offering me the opportunity to work with this group of student athletes."

Pender has spent the previous eight seasons as the Head Coach for the Agawam High School Girls' Volleyball team, Kevin also served as the Head Coach of the Agawam Boys' Volleyball team for the previous eleven seasons.

"I would also like to thank Zach Perkins, Head Women's Hockey Coach, for putting Anna Maria on my radar, sharing his great experiences at the college and supporting me to make the jump into collegiate coaching. Since my first step on campus, I knew AMC was the right home for me to take the next step in my volleyball career. I am excited for the opportunity to bring my experience and passion to campus. Together the players and I can put trust in the process, our training and each other as we pursue new growth for the program."

In addition to his work with the Agawam High School teams, Pender has also served for thirteen seasons as a Head Coach in the Pioneer Valley Juniors Club program, one of the premier club programs in New England.

"I am excited to add Kevin to our department as the new women's volleyball coach for the upcoming season," commented Director of Athletics Joseph Brady '96. "His wealth of experience and passion for the game made him a great choice to lead our volleyball program. I look forward to seeing him get started with our student-athletes this fall."

Kevin is a graduate of Providence College where he achieved his bachelor's degree in '09 and his master's degree in '11.