Rhodes joins Bruin volleyball coaching staff as assistant coach

BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Bellevue University head volleyball coach Trish Siedlik announced today the hiring of Micah Rhodes as an assistant coach on the Bruin staff. Rhodes joins longtime assistant Steve Field as assistant coaches on Siedlik's staff. 

Rhodes comes to BU after successful stints at NCAA Division I schools Creighton and Nebraska-Omaha. He most recently served at the Director of Operations at Creighton during the 2019 season. He also served as a volunteer assistant coach at CU during the 2016 campaign. 

Prior to becoming the Director of Operations at Creighton, Rhodes was an assistant coach at Nebraska-Omaha under legendary head coach Rose Shires during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Rhodes served as the Mavericks' offensive and blocking coordinator, working closely with the pin attackers, middle blockers, and setters. He also assisted with recruiting, scouting, and organizing UNO's volleyball camps.

As a team, Rhodes guided the 2018 Mavericks to a program-best hitting percentage in the Division I era (0.221). In 2017, he helped UNO to a league-best 2.38 blocks per set in conference-only games.

Under his tutelage, the UNO middle blockers garnered several honors and accolades. Isabella Sade earned 2018 first team all-Summit League honors and was the 2017 Summit League Freshman of the Year. Anna Blaschko was named to the 2017 conference all-freshman team while earning honorable mention all-Summit League recognition in 2018.  

During his first stint with CU in 2016, the Bluejays went 29-7, reached their first NCAA Elite Eight and won their third straight BIG EAST regular-season and tournament titles. Rhodes was also part of Creighton's 2016 BIG EAST Volleyball Coaching Staff of the Year, and he helped coach three AVCA All-Americans, five AVCA All-Region selections, five BIG EAST all-conference picks and the BIG EAST Player of the Year.

Prior to CU, Rhodes served four years (2012-16) as an assistant coach at Buena Vista University, where he coordinated recruiting, travel, and film. Rhodes helped tutor an All-American, three AVCA All-Region selections, two IIAC Freshman of the Year award winners, and the program's first IIAC Player of the Year at BVU, and he helped develop 10 All-IIAC honorees. For most of 2015, Rhodes led the team in all aspects as interim head coach.

Rhodes has also served as a head coach in the Premier Volleyball club organization in Omaha, most recently as the head coach of the 161's squad before the season was cut short due to the pandemic.

A native of Grand Island, Neb., Rhodes began his career as a student manager with the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team from 2008-11. He was also a four-year member of the men's club volleyball program, vice-president of the organization in 2011, and a three-year starting outside hitter, helping the team to three straight NIRSA Sweet 16 appearances. Rhodes earned his bachelor's degree in journalism with a major in advertising and public relations from UNL in 2011.

"Micah emerged from a very strong pool of candidates, which is a testament to the players that have made Bellevue a perennial top 20 program in the NAIA," said Siedlik. "We knew that we needed someone that was going to be a strong blocking coach for our staff to be complete. Micah has been a part of programs that were known for their blocking. His attention to detail, organizational skills, and high energy will be a great addition to our staff. This is a big day for the program as we previously have had numerous strong assistant coaches that have aided in the success of the program."    

"I am so excited to have Micah on board with Steve and I," added Siedlik. "Micah understands the demands of being a collegiate coach and he is committed to making every player better and giving them a great experience along the way."

Rhodes, who will officially begin his duties at Bellevue University on July 1, will serve as the Bruins' recruiting coordinator while assisting in all facets of the program. His primary on-court responsibilities will include training the middles and directing BU's blocking efforts.  

With no seniors and only one junior on the 2019 roster, Bellevue ended last season with a 28-10 overall record and a 10-4 NSAA mark, finishing second in the NSAA regular season while advancing to the NAIA National Tournament for the 12th time in school history. The Bruins ended the season with a No. 19 final national ranking.