Is Coach Dingman's Job Secure? Wins and losses don't tell the whole story.

Iowa volleyball is in last place in the Big Ten.

There, I said it.

Well, tied for last place in the Big Ten technically with Wisconsin, however, the Badgers have a much better overall record. The Hawkeyes (and Buckingham U. Badger) have a conference record of 1-7, but the Hawkeyes only have 6 wins overall. The Hawkeyes are the only team in the conference without double digits in the win category. (The next worst is Sparty with 11 wins.)

So what does all of this mean? And when do we put Sharon Dingman’s job on the line?

Before I can take this conversation any further I must admit that I am a bit biased. Coach Dingman has visited KRUI three times now, and has always been a delight to talk to. She seems thoughtful and insightful, and the players talk about her as a leader and mentor. They seem to have the highest respect for her.

So I am a little subjective when I say that Dingman’s job is secure. She is fighting an uphill battle with a program that has never had success. The previous coach, Cindy Fredrick, managed to maintain a consistent level of poor volleyball, and she lasted four seasons.

Dingman is in her third season as head coach and has raised the bar already. Former volleyball players who played under both coaches talk about the differences in the volleyball culture at Iowa. The focus on nutrition is better; the practices are intense but fun; and the in game coaching is clearer and more precise.

Wins and losses aren’t the only factor that should be considered with a coach’s job. I think there are a lot of players on the Hawkeye volleyball team who would agree.