Rocky Mount, N.C. - The North Carolina Wesleyan Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Vicky Gentile has been promoted to head coach of the Battling Bishop volleyball program. Her acceptance of the position follows the resignation of long-time head coach Dr. Robin Pietryk, who is pursuing another professional opportunity as Wesleyan's Coordinator of Disability Services.
"We are so appreciative of Coach Pietryk's dedication to our volleyball program, and all of her work over the past 15 years. We wish her the best in her new role and know that she will continue to be a great asset to Wesleyan," said Director of Athletics John Thompson. "Coach Gentile, who has done an outstanding job as an assistant coach here, is clearly ready to assume the responsibilities as a head coach. We are excited about the future and confident she will build our program on the foundation Coach Pietryk has established."
Gentile recently completed her fourth season as assistant coach with the Battling Bishops, having joined NCWC after serving in a similar capacity at Baldwin Wallace University. Upon her arrival in Rocky Mount, the Ohio native promptly helped guide the Bishops to back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2011 and 2012.
Prior to Wesleyan, Gentile's stint at Baldwin Wallace saw her gain valuable experience in recruiting, on-court coaching and game day management. Her previous coaching experience also includes work at the high school and club levels, as well as clinic development and instruction.
Gentile is a 2008 graduate of Clarion University with a B.S. degree in Liberal Arts and Sport Management, which included a minor in coaching. She excelled as a defensive specialist for a Clarion team that made the NCAA tournament in each of her four seasons. An All-Conference and All-Region performer, she earned Honorable Mention All-America accolades in 2007 and graduated as the all-time digs leader in Clarion history.
Most recently in 2014, Gentile completed her Master's degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration from California University of Pennsylvania. She now prepares to take over a young Wesleyan program that featured 16 combined freshmen and sophomores last fall.
"I am excited to be given this opportunity to serve as Wesleyan's head volleyball coach," said Gentile. "I appreciate the confidence the administration has placed in me, and I look forward to building on the accomplishments and successes of Coach Pietryk."
Pietryk's 15-year Wesleyan tenure featured seven 20-win seasons, including a run of six consecutive from 2007 to 2012. She also guided 26 players to USA South All-Conference honors and departs as the winningest coach in program history with 247 career victories.