2009 Volleyball Coaches

Coach Steve Yarnell will be entering his fifth season as head coach of the Bluffton University volleyball program. He is also an instructor in the health, physical education and recreation department.

In his fourth season at the helm, Yarnell led the team to an overall record of 21-10, including a 5-3 mark in the Heartland Conference, while knocking off DII Findlay and making it to the semi-finals of the HCAC tournament. With a solid class of incoming freshmen and six returning starters from 2008, Yarnell and the Beavers look to be a formidable opponent in a highly competitive Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Yarnell graduated from the University of Findlay in 2003 with a bachelor's of science degree in physical education. He also completed his master's degree from Findlay in 2005 in education with a technology emphasis.

Prior to assuming the role as head coach for the Bluffton University volleyball team, Yarnell was the first assistant coach for the men's and women's volleyball programs at the University of Findlay in 2004. Before that, Yarnell was the graduate assistant for the men's volleyball team at Findlay.

Yarnell was a varsity volleyball player at Findlay from 2000-03. He was honored as academic all-conference his junior and senior seasons as well as being named to two all-tournament teams as a player during his career. Yarnell was also a gold medal winner for the United States volleyball squad at the Australia Down Under Games.

He has been highly active in the local volleyball scene as he worked extensively with volleyball camps and local volleyball clubs. Yarnell, an Impact and CAP level 1 certified coach, is a member of USA Volleyball and the American Volleyball Coaches Association. He directs numerous camps and clinics at Bluffton University and at high school campuses throughout the state.

Coach Yarnell and his wife, Kelly, reside in Bluffton with their two-year-old daughter, Gracie, infant son, Toby, and dog, Scooby.

Erin Neal enters her first season as assistant coach for Bluffton University.

Neal, a 2009 graduate, was a four-year letter-winner for NCAA Division III Muskingum College. She garnered Academic All-OAC Honorable Mention accolades in 2006 and 2007, and was named to the All-OAC Academic Team in 2008. Neal served as a two-year captain for the Fighting Muskies, and helped lead them to a 23-7overall, 6-3 OAC finish in 2008, as well as a trip to the NCAA National Tournament. In the spring of 2009, Neal received the Greg Riggar Dedication to Sport Award. Throughout college, Neal has served as a volleyball camp instructor for both Muskingum College and Bluffton University.

In May 2009, Neal graduated with a B.A. in English and a minor in speech communication. She is now certified to teach English/Language Arts in grades 7-12, and is currently pursuing her master's degree in education at Bluffton University.

Neal currently resides in Bluffton.