Champine recognized as coach of the year for volleyball NJCAA DII district
Terra State women’s volleyball coach Stephanie Champine has been awarded coach of the year for the NJCAA DII Great Lakes B district.
Champine was recognized at the NJCAA DII national championship awards banquet on April 12. She led the Titans to 15-2 in the regular season and the first trip to the national championship in program history.
Champine was instrumental in reintroducing the program to Terra State less than two years ago and recruiting a full roster. In the fall of 2019, they were able to finish their first season 12-14 before 2020 brought stay-at-home orders and postponed seasons.
“Congratulations to coach Champine on a well-deserved coach of the year,” said Athletic Director Frank Gioffre, “She has worked hard with the girls on and off the court from recruiting, off-season training and preparing them for the season. She has a hard working, disciplined group and that starts with Coach Champine. Congrats on a great season!”
Champine was surprised when she heard her name but is grateful for the support system that was with her.
“I was unaware that I was receiving an award. When my name was called at the banquet, the team went wild and cheered the entire time I was accepting the award and returning to my seat,” said Champine, “I am super excited to share this award with my assistant coach and team. I was given an opportunity to build a program and make it mine, and I did just that. I’m thankful for all these girls who have put their trust in me, bought in to what I’m building and helped set high standards for future Titans.”