From University of Chicago Athletics
Athletic Director Erin McDermott announced on Wednesday that Sharon Dingman has been appointed to the position of Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Chicago. She replaces Vanessa Walby, who departed UChicago after six years at the helm.
Dingman previously served as head coach at the University of Iowa for six seasons (2008-13). Her coaching experience includes tenures at Illinois State University (2000-07), Butler University (1992-99) and Auburn University (1991-92). In her 23 years as a head coach, Dingman owns a career record of 402-336.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to hire such a quality of person and accomplished head coach in Sharon Dingman," said McDermott. "I am confident that she will lead our team to even greater success. Sharon is a tremendous teacher, role model and coach who will serve as a terrific mentor to our players and will coach with the educational values that we treasure. We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to her impact on UChicago Volleyball."
"This is a thrilling day for me," said Dingman. "I am honored to be named the Head Coach at the University of Chicago and to be given the opportunity to build on the great work Vanessa has done. Throughout the process, I have been impressed with Erin McDermott's leadership and enthusiasm. This is an exciting time to be a coach for the Maroons under the direction of Erin. She exudes championship-level performance. I would like to thank the search committee for their dedication to the process. I am so eager to work with the young women of the Maroon volleyball team. They epitomize the true meaning of student-athlete. With them, I'm ready to embark on the championship journey."
During her time at Iowa, Dingman had 38 Academic All-Big Ten honorees and coached the school's all-time leader in career digs (Bethany Yeager). She made an immediate impact with the Hawkeyes in 2008 by winning 14 matches with six conference victories, which were the most by the team since 2000. The following year, Iowa matched its best start to the season in program history at 6-0.
Dingman guided Illinois State to seven winning seasons in her eight years as head coach. The Redbirds received an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 for the first time in 10 years. She also coached for eight years at Butler, guiding the Bulldogs to four 20-win seasons and three postseason tournaments, including the NCAA Tournament in 1997. Three of Dingman's student-athletes at Butler were named conference Player of the Year.
The veteran coach began her career with a one-year stint at Auburn in 1991. The Tigers went 22-13 and became the first Auburn volleyball team to receive votes in the national poll.
As a collegiate volleyball player, Dingman competed at Purdue University and Northern Michigan University. She received her bachelor's degree in health education from Northern Michigan and completed her master's degree coursework at the University of Kentucky.