From MSU-West Plains:
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) today announced the hiring of Toby Rens as the new head coach of the Grizzly Volleyball program. Rens’ first day on the job will be May 19. His hiring is pending approval by the MSU Board of Governors, officials said. “We are excited to welcome Coach Rens to campus and the Grizzly Athletics team,” MSU-WP Director of Athletics Rachel Peterson said. “His vast experience developing student-athletes at many levels, including NCAA Division I, will be great for continuing the excellence of Grizzly Volleyball. He has expressed a heart for growing our program and volleyball in our part of the state, and I know he is sincere in the goals he has set.” “It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I embrace the opportunity to lead this nationally respected volleyball program,” Rens said. “I truly appreciate (Vice Chancellor of Athletics and Community Engagement) Keri Elrod, Rachel Peterson and Chancellor Dennis Lancaster for giving me this opportunity.”
Respect for the Grizzlies
Rens said he has long admired the Grizzly Volleyball program, which was established by its first two head coaches, Trish Kissiar-Knight and Paula Wiedemann.
“My introduction to the remarkable legacy of Grizzly Volleyball was experienced first-hand while watching them make a run at a national championship right here in West Plains,” he explained. “Both Paula Wiedemann and Trish Kissiar-Knight are the visionary architects who not only developed this program but also established its standard of national excellence.
Their enduring passion is evident, and it is an honor to be entrusted with the standard they built, while also bringing my own vision to its future,” he added. “The rich history, tradition, unwavering commitment and passionate following that MSU-West Plains volleyball has were pivotal in my decision to lead this program.”
More about Rens
Rens is an accomplished men’s and women’s volleyball coach with more than 15 years of NCAA I head coaching experience. He has held head coaching positions at several universities, including Georgetown University, Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Pittsburgh and Long Island University. He has amassed 400-plus NCAA career wins, made nine trips to the NCAA Tournament and led his teams to 19 post-season appearances.
Rens is well known for his ability to revive struggling programs and lead teams to success. For example, during his time at Maryland Eastern Shore, he guided the team to its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Northern Division title in 2017 and achieved several postseason appearances. He also led Georgetown University’s volleyball program and brought success to several other volleyball programs, such as the University of Pittsburgh and Long Island University-Brooklyn.
His most recent coaching assignment was as head coach of the Poudre High School boys volleyball team in Fort Collins, Colorado. The team reached its highest ranking ever at fifth in the state during his tenure this past season, and he was recently named Colorado Northern League Coach of the Year.
“My coaching philosophy, which was honed through diverse experiences, centers on fostering strong relationships and cultivating trust by maximizing player potential through direct, honest, intense and demanding guidance,” Rens said. “We will be seeking confident student-athletes who are driven to excel both academically and athletically, and who are eager to fully integrate with and contribute to this community.”
Aspirations and goals for the Grizzlies
As he prepares to take over a Grizzly Volleyball team that placed fifth in the 2024 NJCAA Division I Women’s National Volleyball Championship, Rens said his first order of business will be to assess position needs, get to know the returning players, set expectations and learn more about the local volleyball community.
Even so, Rens already has set several goals for the program. They include:
- to cultivate a deeper love for the game at the grassroots level locally and regionally
- to energize the fanbase and increase attendance
- to mentor and inspire younger new players
- to actively serve the West Plains community
“I firmly believe that by excelling in these areas, we will create an exceptional and rewarding experience for our student-athletes,” he said. “Achieving something truly special, however, will require the collective spirit and support of the entire West Plains community.”
As for the team itself, Rens said fans can expect a “fast-paced, athletic, aggressive and dynamic style of volleyball that will excite our fans.
“I am also committed to upholding and building upon the existing positive culture of Grizzly Volleyball that Paty (former head coach Paty Figueiredo) continued – a culture characterized by hard work, integrity, a commitment to going the extra mile, and active engagement with the community. I am confident that the student-athlete who embraces these values will find their experience here in West Plains to be immeasurably rewarding,” he added.
For more about the Grizzly Volleyball program, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
