In her 15 years as the Gustavus Women’s Volleyball Head Coach, Ro has guided nine consecutive MIAC playoff berths, led the team to the NCAA Elite 8, been awarded MIAC Coach of the Year (four times) and the American Volleyball Coaches Association Central Region Coach of the Year (twice)—and those are just a few of her coaching accomplishments.
The idea of coaching wasn’t in her plan. She earned her B.A. in art from the University of St. Thomas and was a four-year starter as an outside hitter. She planned a career in graphic design, but with a little push from a former teammate, she joined the coaching staff at Luther College.
“It took all of about three months for me to know that I wanted to be a head collegiate DIII volleyball coach. To coach in the MIAC was a dream,” Ro says. “Three years later, I accepted the job at Gustavus.” In January, she will become the Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator for Gustavus Athletics.
As a leader in any realm, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration—be it from administration, student athletes, fellow coaching staff, and everyone in between. The whole Gustavus community plays a role in the team’s success, she says.
And that includes its major fan base. Gustie Volleyball fans are all in, with dress-up-themed nights, specialty cheers and Gus Young Court packed with electric energy at each home game. “Volleyball is fast paced and requires great athleticism, skill, and team chemistry for successful execution,” Ro says. “The back and forth, the momentum swings in tight matches, keep spectators on their toes. It makes for great entertainment.”
Ro’s recruiting makes for a great team. During the recruitment process, “We look for good people who love volleyball and their team and are very committed to their education and pursuing a well-rounded collegiate athletic experience,” she says. Commitment is key, but so is individuality. “We encourage our student-athletes to be themselves and let their unique personalities shine. We have worked hard to create an environment of inclusiveness and emphasize the development of our athletes as the whole person versus just the ‘athlete.’”
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