In a significant milestone for Purdue volleyball, head coach Dave Shondell achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing the legendary Gene Keady for the most wins by any coach in Purdue history. This accomplishment came during a decisive 3-0 victory over No. 12 Texas A&M, the reigning national champions, on the opening night of the Big Ten/SEC Challenge held at Mackey Arena.
The win marked the 513th career victory for Shondell, who has been at the helm of the Purdue volleyball program since 2003. With Keady, a former basketball coach at Purdue, in attendance, Shondell's achievement not only highlights his success but also cements his legacy within the university's athletic history.
Shondell, who became the all-time wins leader for Purdue volleyball with his 470th victory in 2024, had previously tied Keady for the most wins across all sports at Purdue last season. This milestone was reached when the Boilermakers defeated SMU, propelling them into the Elite Eight for the fifth time during Shondell's tenure.
Following the match against Texas A&M, Shondell was honored with the game ball. The celebration continued as he led his team around the arena to acknowledge the fans, with players such as libero Ryan McAleer and opposite hitter Grace Heaney expressing their admiration through hugs. The atmosphere was electric, with the Boiler Block, the team's dedicated fan section, chanting his name in appreciation.
Shondell's journey to this point has been marked by consistent success. A native of Muncie, Indiana, he previously had successful coaching stints at Daleville and Muncie Central high schools before taking over at Purdue. Over his 24 seasons, his teams have reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament 13 times and boast an impressive record of 19-0 in first-round matches. With the recent victory, Shondell's career winning percentage now stands at .681, a testament to his coaching prowess.
Despite the triumph, Purdue volleyball faced challenges entering the season, notably the absence of All-American outside hitter Kenna Wollard, who is sidelined due to an unspecified medical condition. Shondell's ability to navigate these obstacles while achieving historic milestones speaks volumes about his leadership and the resilience of his team.
At 68 years old, Shondell continues to lead with passion and dedication. Earlier this winter, he signed a four-year contract extension to remain the head coach of Purdue volleyball, ensuring that he will be at the forefront of the program as it strives for further success in the coming seasons.
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