Raquel McDonald Named Slippery Rock Volleyball Assistant Coach
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SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery rock University’s volleyball program gains a boost with the addition of Raquel McDonald as assistant coach, announced Wednesday by head coach Dylan Lasher. McDonald’s prior success at Thiel College and her playing career make her a valuable asset to the team.
McDonald Brings Winning pedigree to Slippery Rock
“We’re very excited to have Raquel join our program,” said Lasher. “She will bring a great deal of energy, work ethic and commitment to SRU. Raquel’s passion, successful playing career and coaching ability will be extremely beneficial to our players, staff and community.”
McDonald joins Slippery Rock after two seasons as an assistant under Lasher at Thiel College. Her impact was immediately felt, contributing to a significant turnaround for the women’s volleyball program.
Did You know? The NCAA defines volleyball as a sport with two teams of six players separated by a net [3].
Thiel College success
During her time at Thiel, mcdonald assisted in all facets of the volleyball program. The Tomcats’ women’s team improved dramatically, going from a 3-22 record in 2023 to an notable 17-9 record in 2024. This improvement was among the best in NCAA Division III women’s volleyball.
McDonald also assisted with the Thiel men’s program,which concluded its 2025 season with a 22-7 record,including a perfect 12-0 showing in the presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC),a PAC Tournament championship,and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Playing Career and Academic Achievements
Before coaching, McDonald was a standout middle blocker for Thiel from 2019-2022. over 95 career matches,she totaled 208 blocks,660 kills,and a .247 attack percentage. McDonald was a three-time All-PAC honoree and earned a spot on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team as a senior.
Pro Tip: effective volleyball coaching involves not only technical skills but also fostering teamwork and communication.
McDonald ranks second in Tomcat program history in career attack percentage and ninth in total blocks.She graduated from Thiel with a bachelor’s degree in cognitive psychology, sociology, and criminal justice, with a minor in Spanish. She is currently completing her master’s degree in special education from SRU.
outside of volleyball, McDonald has experience as a Behavioral Health Technician at George Junior Republic, taught Spanish at Kennedy Catholic High School, and was the Director of Student Services at the William Penn Academy.
Looking Ahead
A native of Syracuse, New York, mcdonald officially began her new role at SRU this week. The Slippery Rock volleyball team opens its 2025 season Sept. 3 against Elizabeth City State University at the Fairmont State Classic.
| Year | team | Position | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2022 | Thiel College | Middle Blocker | 208 Blocks, 660 Kills, .247 Attack % |
| 2023-2024 | Thiel College (Assistant Coach) | Assistant Coach | Women’s Team: 14-win Improvement |
| 2025 | Thiel College (Assistant Coach) | Assistant Coach | Men’s Team: PAC Tournament Champions, NCAA Berth |
the Evolution of Volleyball coaching
Volleyball coaching has evolved significantly over the years. Early coaching focused primarily on essential skills and physical conditioning. Today,coaches emphasize strategic game planning,data analytics,and player progress,incorporating sports psychology and advanced training techniques to maximize performance. The Deutscher Volleyball-Verband [[1]] is one of the organizations that helps promote the sport in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball Coaching
This section addresses common questions about volleyball coaching, providing insights for aspiring coaches and fans alike.
What impact will McDonald have on the Slippery Rock volleyball team? How will her experience shape the team’s performance this season?
Stay tuned for more updates on the Slippery Rock volleyball team and their progress this season. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
