GRAND RAPIDS – Calvin University has named Spencer Fredrick as the first men's volleyball coach in program history.
Calvin announced the addition of men's volleyball as a varsity sport on October 28, with plans to play a full varsity season starting in January of 2024. After an extensive national search, Fredrick's experience as a player and coach stood out from other candidates.
"We're thrilled to have Spencer join our staff," said Calvin Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Timmer. "It became clear throughout the process that Spencer brought a tremendous acumen for the game, as well as a love for Calvin's mission. We couldn't be more excited for him and for us as we start this program."
Fredrick graduated from University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) in 2020 after playing four seasons for the Gauchos. Fredrick played as a reserve during his first two seasons in 2017 and 2018 before becoming one of the team's top hitters as a junior in 2019 when he averaged a career-best 1.56 kills, 1.32 digs and 0.56 blocks per set as an opposite-side hitter. During his senior season in 2020, Fredrick helped lead the Gauchos to a 14-2 record and the number-three ranking in the nation before the season was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After graduation, Fredrick continued his volleyball career abroad, where he played for the University of Essex in England and in the Elite Series Division in Sweden. Playing in Sweden for the club team Sodertelje, Fredrick ranked among the league's leaders in points per set and blocks.
During his time playing at the club level in Europe, Fredrick was elected president of the men's and women's volleyball team at University of Essex and coached at the club level while in Sweden. Fredrick was also a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) his last two seasons at UCSB and helped Valley Christian High School to a conference championship as an associate head coach in 2022.
"I am very excited to have Spencer join our athletic department in his new role of men's volleyball coach," said Calvin women's volleyball coach and Associate Director of Athletics Dr. Amber Warners. "He brings incredible experience playing NCAA Division I men's volleyball as well as playing overseas. I see him being a great hire with his wealth of volleyball knowledge, his desire to incorporate his faith in his coaching, and his competitive drive."
Warners, a four-time NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year and three-time NCAA Division III National Championship-winning coach, is also looking forward to the opportunity to work with someone on the men's side.
"I'm excited to have someone in the department I can discuss and collaborate volleyball with," Warners said. "We both plan to be involved in both the men's and women's programs to help them be the best they can attain to be. It will be the first time in my career that I will have someone to work with in that capacity."
Fredrick will begin his new position immediately and is looking forward to the opportunity to start recruiting in preparation of getting ready for the 2024 season.
"I am beyond excited and elated to be joining Calvin Athletics and helping to start the new varsity program," Fredrick said. "I would like to thank Dr. Timmer and Dr. Warners for trusting me to lead the new team. Additionally, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me to get to where I am now, including former coaches and teammates."
"I am ready to get to work at the beginning of the year," he added. "I want to spread the word that Calvin men's volleyball is here and that we are here striving for athletic excellence and success. I know it will be a process, but I am looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to working with the rest of the Calvin athletic teams and coaches."
