LA VERNE, CA — Jeff Hendershot announced today that he has stepped down as the University of La Verne head volleyball coach to pursue other coaching opportunities.
Hendershot has led the Leopards since 2019, accumulating a 123-50 record, with an outstanding .711 winning percentage. With Hendershot at the helm, the Leopards finished the 2025 season as the NCAA Division III runners-up, won the 2025 SCIAC Regular Season Championship, and claimed the program's first SCIAC Tournament Championship in 2024.
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and for the confidence entrusted to me by our administration, staff, and student-athletes. This program is truly special because of the people involved. The athletes, staff, and their families have made showing up each day a meaningful and rewarding experience. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. J for her unwavering support and leadership throughout my tenure at La Verne. Additionally, none of the successes we have achieved would have been possible without my exceptional coaching staff—Randi, Mario, Jack, and Ayana—who fully committed themselves to helping our athletes excel," said Hendershot.
This season, Hendershot guided the Leopards to their best season in nearly two decades. The Leopards spent seven consecutive weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation in the AVCA Division III Coaches Poll, won the SCIAC Regular Season Championship – the program's first since 2008, won the NCAA Regional Tournament, finished as the NCAA runners-up, and won 30 games for the fourth time in school history. Additionally,
Mya Ray and
Zacky Coaston broke two longstanding program records. Ray shattered the all-time kills record of 1,487, putting the new best at 2,002. Coaston, just a junior, set the new all-time total blocks record at 423. Ray was named the 2025 AVCA National Player of the Year and became the first four-time All-American in program history.
Lauren Gott and Coaston also earned All-American honors.
"Jeff has been an integral part of our Leopard volleyball program for over a decade, first serving as an assistant coach and later leading the team as head coach. He consistently demonstrated pride in this institution and dedication to our student-athletes. His contributions and successes are a testament to his leadership, commitment, and competitive excellence. While we will miss his presence as both a coach and a colleague, I fully support his next opportunity and am deeply grateful for the many years he devoted to La Verne. Jeff leaves behind a strong foundation, and his impact on our athletes and our program will be felt for years to come. I wish him continued success in this next chapter," said Director of Athletics Dr. Jenna Panatier.
The Leopards had another spectacular run in 2024, winning the NCAA Regionals and the first SCIAC Tournament Championship in program history. The 2024 squad advanced to the Elite 8 for the first time since 2009, with Ray and
Allison Whiteman earning All-American honors. The 2023 squad advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16.
Hendershot took over as the Leopards' head coach before the 2020 season after spending the 2019 season as the interim head coach. He joined the La Verne staff in 2011 as the first assistant coach and was promoted to associate head coach in 2017.
"To my current and former players, thank you for trusting me and this program as you pursued your athletic and academic goals. It is because of you and your contributions that this program is what it is and why La Verne is so special. I would not be the coach I am today without each of you. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together—competitively, academically, and culturally. We have established a solid foundation that I am confident will continue to elevate the program for years to come," added Hendershot.
In his six seasons in charge, Hendershot coached eight AVCA All-Americans, one AVCA National Player of the Year, two SCIAC Players of the Year, 10 All-Region selections, and 10 All-SCIAC honorees. Hendershot and his staff were named the 2025 and 2023 SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year.
The University of La Verne will conduct a national search for its next volleyball head coach.
