Faculty & Staff Story

Catawba has a soul, pure and simple.”

Brenn Ferguson is the Director of Volleyball at Catawba. She is also the Women’s Head Volleyball coach and Women’s Head Beach Volleyball coach. “I work to holistically develop our student-athletes through a shared vision with the college guided by the core values of scholarship, character, culture and service. I incorporate those core values into both our recruiting process and measurement of progress,” said Brenn.

She added, “The long-term goal is to develop a program that is the benchmark of NCAA Division II volleyball while being ambassadors for the greater Catawba College community, during and beyond the student-athlete years.”

When asked why she chose Catawba she said, “Catawba has a soul, pure and simple. The people, the values, and the vision are woven together to create a culture of both strength and grace, where the past is honored, and the future is hopeful. I felt it the first time I made my way through campus when I met Mr. Albert Rush in the gym. He greeted me, asking if I needed directions and then went on to tell me that “…it’s what family does, and we are a family here at Catawba!”

She added, “During my interview process it became clear that Director of Athletics, Michelle Caddigan and I shared a mutual commitment to winning the right way, prioritizing the holistic wellbeing of student-athletes, and providing a collegiate experience that will equip them to live out their fullest potential. I consider myself blessed that Catawba chose me as well.”

Brenn’s reasons for loving Catawba are the same reasons she chose Catawba. “A year into my tenure, the reasons I chose Catawba have proven to be what I still love about this place. The people, the values, and the vision are woven together to create a culture of strength, grace and faith, where the past is honored, and the future is hopeful. This appreciation has continued to be enhanced by my daily interactions with my student-athletes and colleagues.”

In terms of performance, Brenn considers one of her most outstanding achievements at Catawba to be, “the 5-set win over Anderson was a highlight of the women’s indoor season.” She also says that “the most fulfilling achievement has been bringing joy back into the gym. Joy begets joy, and it is joy which will sustain us in growth and in battle.”

When talking about her job, she said, “Collegiate coaching is a unique profession. Irregular hours, constantly looking 4 years ahead, a resume that is often defined by the decisions of 16- to 22-year-olds. It is unorthodox to say the least. But I can unequivocally say that my student-athletes allow me to find joy on and off the court time and time again. My two young daughters have 30 “big sisters” who show them how to show compassion, be courageous in failure, and lean into authenticity. These are benefits that you just can’t put a price on and I continue to be grateful to each one of them.”