NCCAA

For the past 23 years, Jean Penfound has served as women’s volleyball coach at Moody Bible Institute. Her resume reflects her pursuit of excellence with five NCCAA National Championship appearances, three runners-up finishes, four Midwest Region Championships, and being named NCCAA Coach of the Year in 1997. Her student-athletes have excelled under her direction with 19 being named NCCAA All-Americans. Jean has also served her peers as Midwest Region Volleyball Chair and as a member of the NCCAA Championship Committee. One peer shares, “Jean’s pioneer service in the development of NCCAA volleyball provided growth and exposure for small college programs. Most importantly, her vision provided an environment for young women to attain successful athletic experiences under the mentoring of Christian role models.” However, Jean is honored because of her accomplishments that go beyond the volleyball court or cultural borders. Former players and coaches, along with peers and colleagues, have been blessed by her counsel and willingness to listen. Her role in leading sports ministry teams to Guatemala and the Dominican Republic will best be evaluated in eternity by those whose lives were changed because of sport being used for outreach. Don Martindell, Athletics Director at Moody Bible Institute, sums it up best when he states, “The NCCAA would indeed be blessed to have stadium full of Coach Jean Penfounds. Since 1982, her teams have been a walking, talking and serving display of what Christian athletics are all about.”