Murray State University Athletics
Dave Schwepker Announces Retirement as Head Coach of Murray State Volleyball
6/9/2026 8:06:00 AM | General, Women's Volleyball
Schwepker amassed 415 wins in his 28 years leading the program
Dave Schwepker, the winningest coach in Murray State volleyball history with 415 total wins over the course of 28 seasons leading the team, has announced his decision to retire as head coach of the program effective immediately.
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Current assistant coach Tristyn Krzos, who joined the Racers in 2023, will be elevated to acting head coach for the 2026 season.
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"We are extremely grateful for the commitment to excellence and service Coach Schwepker has poured into our volleyball program over the past 28 seasons," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "The effect of his leadership extends far beyond wins and championships, but through the positive impact he has had on each of the student-athletes that he has coached throughout this career. We wish Dave the absolute best as he transitions into this new chapter of his life, and we join all of Racer Nation in thanking him and his family for all they have done for the city of Murray, Murray State University, our athletics department, and the volleyball program."
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"For 28 seasons, Coach Schwepker has exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, passion and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete success while leading our volleyball program," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "On behalf of our entire university community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for nearly three decades of extraordinary service and congratulate Coach Schwepker on a well-deserved retirement."
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Schwepker, who began his tenure at Murray State in 1998, led the team to three regular season championships, four tournament championships, and four appearances in the NCAA Tournament. All three achievements are the most by any coach in program history.
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"It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve as the head volleyball coach at Murray State University for the past 28 seasons," Schwepker said. "I am incredibly proud of the student-athletes who have worn the Racer uniform and represented our program, university and community with class, determination and excellence. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, our players, coaches and administration for supporting our program throughout the years. I also want to thank Racer Nation for the unwavering passion and support that made so many special memories possible. While this chapter is coming to an end, my love for Murray State and the friendships and experiences that came from these 28 seasons will remain with me forever. I look forward to cheering on the Racers and watching the continued success of this program for years to come."
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During his career, he coached 15 student-athletes to conference superlative honors, including: Freshmen of the Year Nikki Wang (2002), Jade Guo (2008), Katirah Johnson (2017) and Brooke Lynn Watts (2021); Defensive Players of the Year Heather Norris (2006), Kayleah Sauer (2009), Ellie Lorenz (2016), and Becca Fernandez (2018, 2020, 2021); Setter of the Year Sam Bedard (2015); and Players of the Year Scottie Ingram (2014-16) and Rachel Giustino (2019).
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Additionally, he coached three AVCA All-Americans (Paige Sun, Heather Norris, and Rachel Giustino) and five All-Midwest Region honorees (Paige Sun, Heather Norris, Katie Kemezys, Scottie Ingram, and Rachel Giustino).
He led the team to five-straight seasons of 20-plus wins from 2014-18, including a school record 27 wins in 2015. His 2018 squad matched a program record with 16 consecutive victories.
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Prior to arriving in Murray, he was the head coach at Tennessee State (1995-97) and served as an assistant coach at SEMO (1992-94).
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Follow Murray State volleyball on X and Instagram (@RacersVB). Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
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Current assistant coach Tristyn Krzos, who joined the Racers in 2023, will be elevated to acting head coach for the 2026 season.
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"We are extremely grateful for the commitment to excellence and service Coach Schwepker has poured into our volleyball program over the past 28 seasons," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "The effect of his leadership extends far beyond wins and championships, but through the positive impact he has had on each of the student-athletes that he has coached throughout this career. We wish Dave the absolute best as he transitions into this new chapter of his life, and we join all of Racer Nation in thanking him and his family for all they have done for the city of Murray, Murray State University, our athletics department, and the volleyball program."
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"For 28 seasons, Coach Schwepker has exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, passion and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete success while leading our volleyball program," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "On behalf of our entire university community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for nearly three decades of extraordinary service and congratulate Coach Schwepker on a well-deserved retirement."
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Schwepker, who began his tenure at Murray State in 1998, led the team to three regular season championships, four tournament championships, and four appearances in the NCAA Tournament. All three achievements are the most by any coach in program history.
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"It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve as the head volleyball coach at Murray State University for the past 28 seasons," Schwepker said. "I am incredibly proud of the student-athletes who have worn the Racer uniform and represented our program, university and community with class, determination and excellence. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, our players, coaches and administration for supporting our program throughout the years. I also want to thank Racer Nation for the unwavering passion and support that made so many special memories possible. While this chapter is coming to an end, my love for Murray State and the friendships and experiences that came from these 28 seasons will remain with me forever. I look forward to cheering on the Racers and watching the continued success of this program for years to come."
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During his career, he coached 15 student-athletes to conference superlative honors, including: Freshmen of the Year Nikki Wang (2002), Jade Guo (2008), Katirah Johnson (2017) and Brooke Lynn Watts (2021); Defensive Players of the Year Heather Norris (2006), Kayleah Sauer (2009), Ellie Lorenz (2016), and Becca Fernandez (2018, 2020, 2021); Setter of the Year Sam Bedard (2015); and Players of the Year Scottie Ingram (2014-16) and Rachel Giustino (2019).
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Additionally, he coached three AVCA All-Americans (Paige Sun, Heather Norris, and Rachel Giustino) and five All-Midwest Region honorees (Paige Sun, Heather Norris, Katie Kemezys, Scottie Ingram, and Rachel Giustino).
He led the team to five-straight seasons of 20-plus wins from 2014-18, including a school record 27 wins in 2015. His 2018 squad matched a program record with 16 consecutive victories.
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Prior to arriving in Murray, he was the head coach at Tennessee State (1995-97) and served as an assistant coach at SEMO (1992-94).
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Follow Murray State volleyball on X and Instagram (@RacersVB). Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
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