After 20 years of coaching volleyball at UW-Platteville, head coach Deb Schulman has 500 career wins.

According to the Sports Information Web site, Schulman became the 23rd coach in NCAA Division III history to win 500 matches Oct. 24 when her Pioneers beat Augustana 3-1 at the Central College Invitational.

“It is exciting to be a part of her 500 career wins,” junior outside hitter Stephanie Tronnes said. “We were excited to help her achieve that milestone.”

Schulman now has a record of 500 wins and 272 losses at UW-P.
“The day it happened was just wonderful. The team was so excited and it was fun to watch the expressions on their face,” Schulman said. “They played an outstanding match so that made it more memorable so it’s been a lot of fun.”

Coach Schulman started her career with the Pioneers in 1988. According to the 1988 Exponent, back in her first year, coach Schulman was quoted saying “ I want to make a successful program and get known around the state.”

Schulman is now known around the state for her accomplishment. She has received compliments and congratulations from people across the state such as alumni and coaches.

Photograph by Jodi Krautkramer
Junior outside hitter Stephanie Tronnes goes for the kill against UW-Oshkosh while sophomore Abby Carey gets ready for the return ball.

“It’s a great accomplishment for our program and it means a lot to everyone that’s ever gone through our program,” Schulman said. “I’ve had a lot of wonderful assistant coaches, manager, and former players. It is a testament to our program and how much the university has supported us.”

Coach Schulman proves to be a major asset to the volleyball program.

“It really means a lot to us as a team that we get to be part of such a major achievement in her career, and it shows what an asset she is to our program,” sophomore outside hitter, Melissa Hillebrand said.

The team will honor seniors Rochelle Ripp and Rachel Chapman during senior night on Halloween as the Pioneers play host to Loras and UW-Superior Friday, Oct. 31 at the Williams Fieldhouse.

“We’ve been playing really well as of late and I think that anytime you can do something special within your program it defiantly adds to how the players react and compete. I think its been very positive for the program,” Schulman said.