Sheldon, Iowa – As Northwest Iowa Community College prepares for the launch of Thunder Women’s Volleyball in fall 2026, Head Coach Mark Kirlin is already hard at work building relationships, recruiting student-athletes, and laying the foundation for the program’s future.
Kirlin joined NCC on January 28, 2026, bringing more than two decades of coaching experience and a strong passion for player development. While the formal announcement of his hiring marked an exciting milestone for Thunder Athletics, this feature offers an opportunity to get to know the coach behind the program.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help build the volleyball program at NCC from the ground up,” Kirlin said. “My focus is on creating a positive, team-first culture where our student-athletes can grow, compete, and represent the College well both on and off the court.”
Kirlin began his coaching career in 2003 and has since worked with multiple high school and club programs. He currently coaches with Banzai Volleyball Club and is known for his player-centered approach to student-athlete development.
For Kirlin, the most rewarding moments in coaching come when athletes accomplish something they once believed was out of reach. That focus on growth and buy-in has shaped his philosophy over the years and continues to guide how he builds relationships with his teams.
As he looks ahead to NCC’s inaugural volleyball season, Kirlin is intentionally focused on building the program the right way. In his view, the first two years will be about identifying the right student-athletes and establishing a positive, team-first culture. From there, the focus will shift toward increased competitiveness and continued program growth.
Recruiting efforts are already underway. While the timeline has made assembling the 2026 class more challenging — as many athletes have already signed — early momentum with the 2027 class has been encouraging. When evaluating recruits, Kirlin pays close attention to engagement, particularly how prospective student-athletes interact with coaches and teammates throughout the process.
One milestone he is especially looking forward to is the program’s first match, when months of preparation and relationship-building will culminate on the court. For Kirlin, that moment represents the payoff of the early work being done now to build a strong foundation for Thunder Volleyball.
Kirlin earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska–Omaha and his master’s degree in Coaching & Administration from Concordia University Irvine. In addition, Kirlin has earned volleyball-specific training and certifications through organizations such as USA Volleyball and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
Outside the gym, Kirlin and his wife enjoy traveling now that their children have graduated from high school. He is also a dedicated live music fan, particularly heavy guitarists such as James Hetfield, Zakk Wylde, and Eddie Van Halen. His musical interests also include The Eagles, Night Ranger, Mammoth (Wolfgang Van Halen’s band), Metallica, Def Leppard, and Slash. He recently attended several shows during Def Leppard’s Las Vegas residency.
Family remains at the center of Kirlin’s life. Caring for his father during his final years as he battled dementia was a meaningful experience that reinforced his commitment to making the most of time with his own children and loved ones.
Students interested in Thunder Volleyball may contact Coach Kirlin at mkirlin@nwicc.edu or 712-344-2987.
