Cromer Named New Blue Knight Volleyball Coach
ONU standout and 17-year coaching veteran takes over Urbana reigns
URBANA, Ohio – Urbana University Athletic Director Doug Young has announced the hiring of Wendy Cromer as the new Blue Knight head volleyball coach.

"We are very excited to have someone of Wendy's background and experience to lead our volleyball program in a new direction,” said Young. “Urbana University has taken great pride in their academic values and winning traditions. I have no doubt that coach Cromer has the ability to take us to an even higher level as we move forward into the future."

A native of Shelbyville, Ind. and a 1988 graduate of Ohio Northern University with a degree in fine arts, Cromer is ready to set in motion a new era of Urbana volleyball.

As Urbana University joins NCAA Division II, Cromer feels this is an exciting time not only for the University, but also for the community. “Living in the area has allowed me the opportunity to see so many positive changes at the University. The Blue Knights are definitely on the move in the right direction.

“I see this opportunity to lead a super group of student-athletes to develop volleyball skills and become people who will make an impact in our community as well as the communities from which they come,” she added. “Urbana is a wonderful place to live and it will be satisfying to create a program in which the community can rally around.”

Cromer, who has lived in the Urbana area for 13 years, has 17 years of volleyball coaching experience, including 13 years as a head coach.

“I am a very detail oriented coach. I run a structured practice of individual and team drills,” said Cromer. “I expect my team to be professional on the court and in the community.

“After meeting the team I knew this was a blessing and I am truly excited about being a Blue Knight,” she added. “They are committed and they want to work hard to compete. Our team will be disciplined, committed to excellence, and exciting to watch.”

Cromer comes to Urbana from Clark State Community College where she was the athletic coordinator, intramural director, and new student orientation and physical education instructor supervisor. Cromer was honored with the Clark State Presidents Award in 2006.

Cromer has spent the past six years as head coach of the varsity volleyball program at Mechanicsburg High School. She has also had stints at Greeneview High School (1999-2001), West Liberty-Salem High School (1995-97), Olentangy High School (1993-94) and she began her career at Bishop Ready High School as a coach of the junior varsity program in 1990. From 1996-2000, Cromer was the Ohio High School’s District IX volleyball president elect and president.

In addition to her extensive high school coaching background, Cromer has been very engaged in Junior Olympic volleyball. She has served as director of the Mad River Junior Volleyball Club (2002-06), Greene County Volleyball Club (1998-2001) and Champaign County Volleyball Club (1995-97). In addition to coaching club teams in these organizations, she has served as a coach in the Olentangy River Rats Volleyball Club and the Columbus Bonsai Volleyball Club.

Cromer has worked volleyball camps at Miami University (Ohio) and has run many Champaign County Youth and High School Camps.

A four-year volleyball standout at Ohio Northern University, Cromer was an all-America nominee, an all-State selection, a two-time first team all-Ohio Athletic Conference honoree and team captain for two seasons. She helped the Polar Bears to a four-year record of 136-36; winning four OAC championships and qualifying for the NCAA tournament for four consecutive seasons. She helped the ONU squad to a ranking as high as 8th in the nation.

Cromer is a member of the Ohio High School Volleyball Coaches Association and the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She also volunteers as a coach of the Mechanicsburg fifth and sixth grade volleyball programs.

Cromer and her husband of 17 years, Hanse, have a step-son, Brandon, who is a freshman in college and Michael, who is 15. They attend the Mechanicsburg Christian Fellowship church in Mechanicsburg, Ohio.