MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- The Bethel University Athletic Department hired former three-time NCCAA All-American and 2007 NCCAA Women's Volleyball National Champion Erica Dregits as the new head coach of the Women's Volleyball program.

Dregits played for the Pilots from 2004-2008 and graduated with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. During her tenure, she won the 2007 NCCAA National Championship and was awarded the National Tournament MVP and four NCCAA Regional Championships.

Before the Crossroads League began, Dregits was a part of the 2005 MCC Championship team and a three-time MCC All-Conference honoree.

"I am honored and excited to return to the place that shaped my own athletic journey. My goal is to build a competitive team that pursues excellence but also to foster a culture of resilience, teamwork, and personal growth," said Dregits.

As a coach, she began her coaching career with the Jimtown High School Jimmies from 2009-2016, then moved to Penn High School to coach the Kingsmen from 2018-2022.

Outside High School teams, she coached local club teams such as Network, Topgun VBC, and NIVA.

"We are excited about the addition of Coach Dregits to lead our women's volleyball program. Erica is extremely relational and will be Christ-centered as she directs the team. Coach is also very competitive and will make sure the team is as well," said Bethel University Athletic Director Tony Natali.