CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (MCVL.org) – Mount Saint Joseph University has called upon one of its own for its next head men’s volleyball coach, tabbing former standout player Jake Neiheisel to lead the Lions’ program.

Jake returns to MSJ not long removed from an outstanding playing career that ended in 2016. Although he only played for the Lions for two season, his impact on the program was huge. "Jake very well may have been the smartest and most intense player I coached during my time at MSJ," said former head coach Ryan Lengerich. The Lions were in the NCAA D-III top-10 for almost all of his career.

Coach Neiheisel graduated from The Mount in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. He immediately began to coach, first in the club volleyball scene. He has been a member of the staff at Cincinnati Attack men's volleyball club since 2010. He also spent time as an assistant coach at both Oak Hills High School and his alma mater, Elder High School, both on Cincinnati's west side. Neiheisel was also an assistant coach at The University of Cincinnati in 2017.

"I am very honored and excited to be back at The Mount, I want to thank Steve Radcliffe for the opportunity. Coaching college volleyball has always been a dream of mine, and to get to do it at a place that is so dear to my heart is awesome," said Neiheisel. "Coach Webb has put together a couple of strong recruiting classes, so we already have the talent in place to compete for an MCVL title. I can not wait to hit the court and start the season with the guys.”

"We are extremely excited to bring Jake Neiheisel back to The Mount as the men's volleyball coach,” commented Director of Athletics Steve Radcliffe. "When the opportunity came to move Coach Webb into the strength and conditioning role full-time, we quickly identified Jake as a possible replacement, and we are very excited it came together as quickly as it did."

Neiheisel and the Lions will open their season with a January 17, 2020 trip to Wittenberg, matching up with former-MCVL side Lakeland.

The MCVL will embark on its sixth season in 2020 with six members, returning Adrian College, Fontbonne University, Mount Saint Joseph University, Olivet College and Trine University while welcoming newcomer-University of Mount Union into the fray. 2021 will feature the addition of Wabash College to the fold as the conference continues its growth and transition.