NCCAA

Since 1983, Paul Swanson has led the Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s volleyball program. With a record of 764-264, a winning percentage of .743, MVNU is now one of the winningest programs in the Midwest. With 15 consecutive trips to the NCCAA National Championship, and having been ranked in the NAIA top 25 on a regular basis, the competitive success speaks for itself. However, Paul states, “Winning and losing are not the most important things. We want each player to leave our program having enjoyed their MVNU experience. That does not mean finding the most skilled players, but looking for people that will mesh well with our spiritual and athletic mission.” With 14 NCCAA East Region titles, along with 13 NCCAA East Region Coach of the Year awards, Paul has been a leader within NCCAA women’s volleyball both on and off the court. He has served as East Region Volleyball Chair most of the past 20 years and currently serves as the NCCAA Division I National Women’s Volleyball Chair. Even with all the competitive successes, Paul is most recognized for being a man of God in all areas of his life. Tanya Hockman, Women’s Volleyball coach at Malone College, shares, “I am convicted by how Paul has made his role as husband and father primary to his coaching position. His Kingdom perspective on life and sport has transformed, inspired and motivated student-athletes to develop into lifelong followers of Christ.” Scott Fleming, Athletics Director at MVNU, states, “Paul is a man of unchanging moral character. He is a dedicated family man and person of strong faith. I have observed that he intentionally made it a priority to develop the character of each young lady entrusted to him.”