Sioux Center, Iowa — Dordt University has announced Jacki Smith will be its next head women’s volleyball coach after Darci Wassenaar’s resignation from the position.
“I am happy to announce Jacki Smith as our women’s volleyball coach,” says Dordt director of athletics Ross Douma. “Although we are disappointed to accept Darci Wassenaar’s resignation as coach, we wish her well in her and her family’s future endeavors, and we look forward to working with Coach Smith in this role.”
Smith, who had been tabbed as an assistant within the Defender volleyball program, will assume head coaching responsibilities immediately. Smith coached at Carleton College (Minnesota) from 2018-21 and at Lancaster Bible College in 2017.
“We felt the candidates for the volleyball coach program were very strong as we worked through the hiring process in January and February and Jacki showed herself to be organized and eager to lead the women’s volleyball program. We were elated when she agreed to be an assistant coach in the program and I look forward to working with her as she now leads the women’s volleyball program,” said Douma.
Smith is a graduate of the University of Northwestern-St. Paul where she was a team captain in both volleyball and basketball and earned four varsity letters in each sport. Smith helped Northwestern to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, three regular season conference titles, and three conference tournament titles as a volleyball player. Smith also has a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University-Irvine.
“My passion and competitive desire to build and maintain a successful and Christ-centered culture and disciple student athletes draws me to Dordt. The opportunity to coach at an institution that clearly models elite levels of success and Christ-like character along with maintaining and growing a volleyball program that is prominent on the national stages are all challenges that excite me,” said Smith.
Wassenaar, who was named head coach in February 2022 and has coached at Sioux Falls Christian High School since 2002, chose to resign the position of Dordt head women’s volleyball coach for personal reasons.
“I wish nothing but the best for Dordt University moving forward and know the volleyball program will continue to excel,” said Wassenaar.
