Mishawaka, Ind. – Bethel College women’s volleyball head coach Katie Weiss has announced her coaching staff for the 2017 season. Weiss, entering her inaugural season as head coach, takes over after assisting during the 2016 season.
Returning for her third season as a Pilot assistant coach is Ali Deatsch. Deatsch is a 2013 graduate of Elon University in Elon, N.C., where she played libero for four years and holds Elon’s Division I career digs record as well as the single season aces record. Deatsch was a two-year team captain and team MVP.
“I love the environment at Bethel as a welcoming community,” stated the Elmhurst, Illinois native Deatsch. “The volleyball girls and staff are super-sweet and great people to work with.”
Deatsch holds a Masters of Physics from Elon and is currently working towards her PhD in Biophysics at Notre Dame. She is also a graduate assistant and manager for the Notre Dame women’s volleyball team.
“Ali has made a huge difference over the last three years as a volunteer assistant,” acknowledged Weiss. “Her knowledge of the game will continue to sharpen our program. Our coaching staff is strong and prepared to take the Pilots to a new level this year.”
A familiar face returns to the campus of Bethel College as 2000 Bethel College alumnus and former Pilot volleyball star Lisa (Davis) DeJesus joins her collegiate teammate’s staff. DeJesus was a four-year letterwinner for the Pilots and a member of the 1999 squad that won the NCCAA National Championship.
“Lisa is a Bethel alumnus and I’m happy to add her to the coaching staff,” commented Weiss. “Lisa has always been part of Bethel volleyball, I’m just making it official this year by calling her a coach! I’m blessed to work with one of my closest friends.”
A two-time NCCAA All-American, DeJesus is considered one of the best setters in Pilot volleyball history and was inducted into the Bethel Athletics Dr. Al Beutler Hall of Fame in 2009 for her efforts.
DeJesus has been an assistant volleyball coach at Elkhart (Ind.) Jimtown High School and a head coach at Michigan City (Ind.) High School.
“It is an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Pilots volleyball program and coach where I played,” said DeJesus. “It is also an amazing opportunity to coach with a previous teammate of mine and an alumnus.”
DeJesus, and her husband Bruno (’00), have three children, Alex, Tiago, and Mateus, and reside in Osceola.
Rounding out the coaching staff is graduate assistant Hannah Curtis. Curtis returns to her hometown of Mishawaka after completing her athletic eligibility at NCAA Division II Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio.
“I’m very excited to welcome Hannah Curtis to the coaching staff,” offered Weiss. “Her talents and abilities fit perfectly into our needs for the Pilot program. She has jumped right in and already made an impact. I know she will contribute greatly and benefit Bethel volleyball.”
Prior to Tiffin, Curtis competed at State College of Florida, where they were an NJCAA National Championship qualifier and Suncoast Conference Champions. As a prep star at Mishawaka (Ind.) High School, Curtis was First Team All-NIC and team MVP.
“Both of my parents graduated from Bethel and the school has always been a treasure in the Mishawaka community,” mentioned Curtis. “I want to help the volleyball program succeed, while earning my MBA.”
The Pilots begin their season with an exhibition match against Glen Oaks Community College on Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 pm.
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