Yankton, SD -- March 15th 2024
 

Mount Marty University Announces Volleyball Coaching Change

Belen Albertos has announced her resignation as Head Volleyball Coach at Mount Marty University after a successful three-year tenure. Taking her place will be Sophia Lobo Paes, who has served as the assistant coach under Albertos for the same duration. The position transition will be effective on June 1, 2024. 

During Albertos' leadership, the Lancers witnessed a notable improvement in their season win total each year, reflecting the team's dedication and growth under her guidance.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision for me," said Albertos. "I am so grateful for my five years at Mount Marty. I came here as a Graduate Assistant to get my Masters and I ended up staying because of my love for this team, the school, and the community. I firmly believe that working at Mount Marty is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life. I have grown so much as a coach and person. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this team in Sophia's hands. She has been a great addition to this program and I know she will be an amazing mentor to these young women. I would also like to say thank you to Athletic Director Andy Bernatow. He has een an amazing support to this athletic department, the volleyball team, and myself. I am so blessed for his trust in me."

Sophia Lobo Paes, from Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, brings an impressive athletic and coaching background to her new role. As a former standout athlete at the University of Tennessee Southern, she earned accolades as First Team All-American as a setter in her freshman year and Second Team All-American as a right-side hitter in her senior year. Additionally, she was recognized for her academic achievements as part of the Southern States Athletic Conference All-Academic team. Paes holds a bachelor's degree in Human Performance and Exercise Science and earned her master's degree in Education at Mount Marty. With nine years of coaching experience, including stints at competitive clubs like ALLIANCE in Nashville, TN, and Rocket City Volleyball Club under Coach Rose Powell. 

"I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have been selected to lead the volleyball program," said Paes. "Coach Belen will be missed; her contributions to the program have been immense, shaping the very culture we're striving to uphold. As I embark on my fourth year at Mount Marty, I can honestly say I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this new role, particularly in such a remarkable community with really special people. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Coach Belen and to fostering continued growth within the volleyball program at Mount Marty."

 

Athletic Director Andy Bernatow is enthusiastic about the future of the Volleyball program. "This is a great moment for Coach Lobo Paes," said Bernatow. "She has been an impressive addition to Mount Marty and the volleyball program, which is in great hands. Coach Paes has a great work ethic, outstanding leadership, strong coaching abilities, and a compassionate nature toward her student-athletes. I am excited for her to receive this opportunity."

He also commented on Coach Albertos' departure. "Coach Albertos is a great person and strong leader. Her investment in the program and her genuine care for her athletes has been a testament to her character. We are thankful for her contributions and wish her the best with her next chapter of life."

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.