Northwest Iowa Community College’s newest athletic program is beginning to take shape as head coach Mark Kirlin works to build the Thunder’s first women’s volleyball team.
Kirlin was hired in January as the first head coach in the history of NCC volleyball, and he says the opportunity to start a program from the ground up was a major draw.
Kirlin brings more than two decades of coaching experience to the position, having worked with high school and club programs before making the move into the college ranks.
As he prepares for the Thunder’s inaugural season in the fall of 2026, much of his focus has been on recruiting and establishing the culture he wants the program to have.
The program recently reached an early milestone with its first-ever signing.
Eva Stammer of Sheldon, a senior at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School, has committed to play for NCC and will pursue an Associate of Arts degree while competing for the Thunder.
The program recently reached an early milestone with the signing of its first recruit. Eva Stammer of Sheldon, a senior at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School, has committed to continue her academic and athletic career at NCC and will pursue an Associate of Arts degree while competing for the Thunder.
Stammer becomes the first player to sign with the new program as Kirlin continues working to build the roster ahead of the team’s inaugural season.
Kirlin says that while having local athletes can help build community interest, he is casting a wide net as he fills out the roster.
He says the first couple of seasons will focus on gaining experience and establishing the program before pushing toward greater competitiveness.
When Thunder volleyball takes the court for the first time, Kirlin says fans can expect a team built around defense and speed.
Northwest Iowa Community College competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference.
Kirlin’s full interview will air Saturday morning on KSOU during the weekly Coffee with the Coaches program.
