By Sarah Lechman
Hastings College has welcomed Coach Harley Rhoades as the new head coach of the women’s volleyball program, marking an exciting new chapter for Bronco volleyball.
Coach Rhoades comes to Hastings from Chadron, Nebraska, and brings with him several years of collegiate coaching experience. He attended Chadron State College, where he competed in track and field and was a multi-event athlete. Following began his career as a student assistant coach in 2019. He stayed on at Chadron State for 3 more seasons as the assistant volleyball coach after graduating in 2023, gaining valuable experience in recruiting, player development, and game strategy before deciding to take the next step in his career as a head coach at Hastings.
Originally from Douglas, Wyoming. Coach Rhoades stated, “Volleyball has always been an important part of my life.” His mother was a volleyball coach, and his older sister—who attended Black Hills State University—is the program’s all-time digs leader and has her name etched in multiple statistical categories. Although Wyoming did not offer many opportunities for men’s volleyball, Rhoades stayed connected to the sport by competing in sand, grass, and co-ed tournaments whenever possible, allowing him to continue developing his skills and passion for the game.
While Hastings is a new community for him, Nebraska is not. Rhoades shared that “I did not want to leave the state,” noting that volleyball holds a strong presence and long-standing tradition throughout Nebraska. I was drawn to Hastings after recognizing the talent already within the program, as well as the opportunity to become part of a close-knit campus and supportive athletic community.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season and spring training, Coach Rhoades’ goals include rebuilding team composure and developing a strong, competitive roster capable of challenging the top teams in the GPAC. Coach Rhoades said, “The importance of fundamentals, teamwork, and mental toughness are key components of the program’s future success.” He also expressed his excitement about getting to know his players both on and off the court and becoming part of what he describes as the “Bronco family.”
Coach Rhoades is eager to begin this new chapter at Hastings and is looking forward to helping the women’s volleyball program grow, compete, and continue building a strong foundation for future seasons.