Reading, Pa. (May 29, 2025) - Alvernia University Athletics announced on Thursday the hiring of
Micaela Sensenig to lead both Women's Volleyball and Men's Volleyball, which will return as an Alvernia Athletics offering for the 2027 season.
Sensenig joins Alvernia after two seasons with Penn State Berks as the Head Women's Volleyball Coach. Sensenig will take over the women's program after previous head coach Kristen Sipling departed Alvernia to become an assistant coach at Bucknell University. She will also oversee the men's program when it relaunches in January of 2027.
"It was immediately apparent that Micaela is deeply committed to fostering an environment where student-athlete experience and well-being are paramount," said Bill Stiles, Associate Vice President for Athletics. "She articulated a clear understanding of Alvernia and its mission, and has a passion for mentoring young women and men on and off the court. She is dedicated to academic success, personal growth, and competitive excellence - she is a great fit for Alvernia!"
Sensenig spent the last two seasons at nearby Penn State Berks as the head coach for the women's volleyball program. She coached two All United East honorees and posted two seven-win seasons for the Lions.
Sensenig brings to Alvernia a strong passion for the game and has additional experience and involvement in local and regional club volleyball. She also brings an emphasis on the holistic development of student-athletes, both on and off the court, and wants student-athletes to have a shared mission in their respective programs.
"I am honored to join the Alvernia community as head coach of both the men's and women's volleyball programs," said Sensenig. "I am passionate about helping pave the way for greater representation in collegiate athletics, and am excited to build the men's program while continuing the great work already displayed by the women's program. As a coach, I believe character is the greatest strength in athletics and I am excited to build programs that reflect that both on and off the court. I look forward to joining the pack. Go Wolves!"
In addition to overseeing the women's program, Sensenig will also oversee the relaunch of Men's Volleyball at Alvernia, which last competed during the 2022 season.
"Men's volleyball was extremely successful in a relatively short period of time when we added it a few years ago," added Stiles "With the creation of this new position, and the growth of the sport in the MAC and the region, we are excited to reintroduce it with a renewed commitment and coaching model to ensure sustained success."
"Micaela's passion for team building and leadership make her an ideal coach to lead both programs," said Cory Beddick, Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Her energy and enthusiasm will be a tremendous addition to the campus community, and will enable her to lead the re-introduction of men's volleyball while also working to elevate the women's program."
"We believe in her ability to provide student-athletes with a first-class athletic experience that includes development on and off the court and competing for championships," added Beddick.
"I would like to thank the Alvernia Athletic Department for entrusting me with this opportunity," said Sensenig. "I would also like to thank my previous coaches who have mentored me and served as examples for the coach I strive to be. Finally, I would like to thank my family for their continuously unwavering support. I couldn't do it without them!"
Sensenig is a 2019 graduate of Central Penn College, where she earned her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She will begin with Alvernia on June 9th.
