Thank you, coaches

Around half of Lenoir-Rhyne University students are also athletes, so National Coaches Day – which takes place on October 6 – holds special significance Bear Athletics. To celebrate the occasion, a few student-athletes shared what they love about their coaches.

Spirit Team – Assistant Coach Grace Marley

Dallas Seagle ’26, exercise science

“The most important quality in a great coach is the ability to connect with your athletes while maintaining respect from them. Coach Grace is always there for us no matter our problems. She supports us when college becomes overwhelming and constantly helps our love for dance to grow. Before LR, I didn't think dancing in college was an option for me, but Coach Grace has shown me that anything is possible if I put my mind to it. I wish everyone knew just how hard she works. Last year she worked in Athletics at LR, plus she was a graduate student, a dance teacher at a local studio and our dance coach. No matter the time of day she always gave us her all, and there are no words to describe how grateful we are for that.

We are so thankful for you and for all you do for the Spirit Team and Dance Program here. Don't ever stop being you because that's what we love about you!”

Weightlifting – Coach Alexander Koch, Ph.D.

Aiden Miller ’27, exercise science

“Consistency is the most important quality in a coach, but so is support. Dr. Koch never fails to support everyone on the team fairly and with respect. He has recovered from injuries, and he still lifts. He knows what it’s like to face adversity and get through it, so I would not trade him for anyone else. He has gotten to know my tendencies and checks in with me if something is off. That concern and support has single-handedly made leaps and bounds of improvement in my mental health.

Dr. Koch, do not ever change how you treat your athletes, I am better because of it.”

Women’s Swimming – Coach Sean Weddell

Devin Poteat ’26, business management and marketing

“I believe coaches should follow the best interests of their athletes and their team. I also believe they need to hold us accountable. Coach Weddell is the best coach. He has high expectations for us and wants to see us succeed in everything we are doing. He also loves the surrounding community. He has made a positive impact on my life already because he is redefining what it means to be a Lenoir-Rhyne swimmer, and he is helping the team create a positive and encouraging culture. Outside of the pool, he loves the outdoors, such as hiking, camping and biking. He also loves his dogs.

Coach Weddell, thank you for pushing us to our best potential and thank you for standing up for our team. We are so happy to have you and Fanny [Courbot] as our coaches!”

Men’s Swimming – Coach Sean Weddell

Michael Caram ’27, computer science

“It’s important for coaches to use good communication and be accessible to his or her team. Coach Weddell pushes me to work hard and makes

 sure that I'm always focused. I have more self-confidence from his support, and that has helped me focus on being a faster swimmer.

Thank you for making me become a better swimmer and holding me accountable.” 

Softball – Coach Shena Hollar

Cassidy Wall ’25, biology

“A great coach will push you but also wants what's best for you. Coach Hollar makes LR softball like a family – we care about each other while we push each other to play better. Coach Hollar led us to win an SAC tournament, an NCAA Division II Regional, an NCAA Division II Super Regional, and to the final four in the National Championship. She always wants to win and is very competitive, but she also has a sense of humor – her favorite show is 'Seinfeld.'

Coach Hollar, thank you for everything you bring to LR Softball and thank you for bringing our softball family closer every day.” 

Women’s Volleyball – Coach Nicole Barringer and Assistant Coach Mark Wimberley

Kendall Keaton ’27, human and community services

“The most important qualities in a great coach are empathy and dedication. Coach Barringer and Coach Mark truly love the sport of volleyball, and they care for us as athletes. The transition to college is a major adjustment and their support made the whole process a lot smoother. They dedicate countless hours of their own time to be here for us both on and off the court. They have created an open atmosphere that feels like home by sharing their interests and being open about who they are. Coach Barringer loves to read and has bonded with a lot of us over books. Coach Mark is an amazing woodworker who shares the coolest project with us. I always know they have my back!

Thank you both for continuing to make LR feel like home, and for the opportunities you’ve given all of us. Playing for the both of you is truly a blessing and I appreciate you both beyond what words can describe!! 'I always thank my God for you because of this grace given you in Christ Jesus' – 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV).”

Women’s Tennis – Coach Sam Clarke

Jessica Fuchs ’26, mathematics

“A great coach motivates and inspires their team, uplifting and encouraging their players to perform at their best, pushing them to reach their full potential. This motivational aspect is key in helping individuals and teams achieve success and overcome challenges, as Coach Sam has done with me. Not only does he care about us on the tennis court, but he cares about all of us as people and pushes us to strive to be our best on and off the court!

It would be an understatement to say that my coach has had a positive effect on my life. During my time at Lenoir-Rhyne, I have faced medical issues, and my coach has been supportive all along.  He has taken the time to study and research my condition with me, so he can help me. He has visited me many times while I was in the hospital. When I have competed, he has always believed me, even when I didn't believe in myself. He has helped push me out of my comfort zone when it comes to tennis and when it comes to life. He pushes me to not only become a better tennis player, but to be a better person!

People don’t always see the dedication and commitment behind the scenes from so many coaches, including Coach Sam. He often spends countless hours planning, strategizing, and preparing to ensure their team has the best chance of success. This hard work and dedication are often unseen but are crucial to the team's achievements.

If every coach was like you, every program would be great!”

Men’s Tennis – Coach Sam Clarke

Vadym Rogynskyi ’26, business management

“Kindness, respect, cheerfulness, caring, support and great attitude build a strong relationship with athletes and make a great coach. Coach Sam has helped me so many times on the court and off the court, giving me support and help when I needed it. He understands everyone from our team and is ready to help whenever we need him. He’s always smiling and happy to see us. He made my life brighter and lighter because he is not only a coach, he is a great personality with an open heart, who acts like a dad here for everyone on the team, making us a big family. He always sees if something is wrong with you – if you’re sick or feeling tired – and he is ready to help. I appreciate everything he does for me. He believes in every one of us. He is the best.

Thank you for every moment together. I appreciate everything you do for me. You have a big positive influence on our team. I am so grateful and thankful to know you!”