SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – Notre Dame College Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Swain has announced the hiring of Erica Kostelac as head coach of the volleyball program. She brings experience as a player at prominent NCAA Division I programs and coaching experience at the Division II level.
"I am excited and honored to be given the opportunity to coach the NDC Falcon Volleyball team," Kostelac said. "I am looking forward to providing these girls the stability and loyalty they deserve. After playing at the highest level, I have so much to share with them about the game that we love. I am excited to jump into this role and push this team to be the best that we can be. One of my biggest priorities is putting heavy emphasis on team culture, team chemistry and hard work ethic."
The Chardon, Ohio native was a part of very successful volleyball programs as a collegiate student-athlete. She spent time at the University of Cincinnati, Creighton University and Cleveland State University. In her time at UC, the Bearcats won at least 22 games in two of the three seasons, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, twice. With Creighton, Kostelac was an integral part of two teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament and won one Big East Title. She was named a captain in her only season with CSU.
In her career, she had over 1,000 kills, 44 aces, 267 digs and 148 total blocks.
Following her playing days, Kostelac became the top assistant coach at Ursuline College in 2022. She has spent two seasons as a head coach at the RockCity Volleyball Club in Mentor, Ohio, training athletes and preparing them for collegiate play.
"We are so excited to have Erica as our next head volleyball coach," said Emily Schwabenbauer, NDC Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Senior Woman Administrator. "Her combination of Division I playing experience, Division II coaching experience and local connections made her a perfect choice for this position. I am confident that she will do a great job leading Falcon Volleyball for years to come."
Kostelac will be at the helm of an NDC program that went 14-19, overall, last year with an 8-8 Mountain East Conference record. The Falcons qualified for the MEC Tournament for the fifth consecutive season.
"I am forever grateful to Ursuline Head Coach Haley Paonessa for teaching me so much about the coaching profession as well as for her friendship and support," Kostelac mentioned. "I would also like to thank my friends and family for their continued love and encouragement. Go Falcons!"
