MCHENRY — Beth Campbell — with an extensive coaching resume across multiple sports and levels of competition — is Garrett College’s new women’s volleyball head coach.
Campbell has coached girls volleyball at the club level, girls basketball and softball at the high school level and been an assistant women’s softball coach at two universities. She’s also been a volleyball official for more than 20 years.
“Coach Campbell brings the experience, leadership and enthusiasm that align perfectly with our mission of developing successful student-athletes both on and off the court,” Garrett Operations Athletics Director Elizabeth Show said. “We look forward to the energy, innovation and positive impact she will bring to our volleyball team and our entire department.”
While Campbell has coached volleyball, basketball and softball — in addition to being a collegiate standout in tennis — volleyball is her favorite sport, she said.
While that was a consideration, she said other factors led her to apply for the Lakers’ coaching vacancy.
“I like the area and really love the school,” Campbell said of Garrett College. “Everyone is so friendly, and they’re clearly committed to nurturing and supporting student athletes on their athletic and academic journeys.”
Campbell — who is in the process of moving from Altoona, Pennsylvania — is already on the job recruiting for the Lakers.
“I’ve been spending most of my free time recruiting nights and weekends,” said Campbell. “I’ve been going to leagues, camps and clinics. It’s a tough time because it’s close to the end of the recruitment cycle, but it’s also a time when kids are very receptive.”
Campbell said her commitment is that players who “put in the time and do the work will have a path to success.”
“Everyone who puts in the work should have an opportunity for success,” said Campbell. “I had a great experience as a college athlete and that’s my hope for everyone who plays for me.”
Campbell led successful softball programs at Altoona Area High and Glendale High School, earning the prestigious Progressland Coach of the Year Award in 2021.
She also coached girls basketball at Glendale High School, winning the Progressland Coach of the Year Award in 2020 after guiding the program to one of its most successful seasons.
Campbell succeeds Brittany Jackson, who guided GC to a 26-49 record in four years. After going 4-32 in her first two campaigns, Jackson led the rebuilding Lakers to a 22-17 record and two postseason berths over the last two seasons.