LEXINGTON, Ky. --- Green Bay volleyball assistant coach Korey Schroeder has been named an AVCA Thirty Under 30 award winner, an impressive list created in 2009 to honor up-and-coming coaching talent at all levels of the sport. Schroeder has played a key role in the successful presence of Phoenix volleyball, which has enjoyed two of the best seasons in program history to date. To qualify for the award, nominees had to be younger than 30 years old in 2019.

Entering his third season for GB in 2020, Schroeder has assisted head coach Abbey Sutherland in guiding the Phoenix to a 41-20 record over the last two years. In his first season on the sideline, Schroeder helped GB win the Horizon League Championship to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament, finishing 20-11. Last season, GB was one of the first four teams out of the NCAA Tournament for at-large teams, competing in a talented and deep Horizon League finishing 21-9 on the season.

Full list of recipients here.

His list of career accomplishments includes:
at Green Bay:
2018 Horizon League Regular Season & Tournament Champion
*First appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2003
*First ever Regular Season Conference Championship in program history
*Second ever Conference Tournament Championship in program history
High school level:
WIAA Division 4 State Champion - Newman Catholic High School (2015 & 2016)
Winning seasons all five years as a high school and collegiate coach
*One 40 win season
*One 30 win season
*Two 20 win seasons
Coached athletes who received the following awards: AVCA All-American Honorable Mention - 2019, AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention - 2019, Horizon League Player of the Year - 2018 & 2019, Horizon League Offensive Player of the Year - 2018 & 2019, Horizon League Setter of the Year - 2018 & 2019, Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year - 2018, Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year - 2016

Get to know Korey Schroeder...

What made you decide to get into coaching volleyball?
Out of college I volunteered at a local high school to stay involved with volleyball. With a full work schedule, I initially told the head coach I would try making an hour of practice twice a week. That quickly became me being at every practice and match I could physically be at; often showing up and coaching in my work clothes. Being in the gym and working with the players and coaching staff was the highlight of my day. I enjoyed my full-time job, but coaching fulfilled me. When I realized that I chose to leave my job to pursue a career in coaching.

What are your career goals in the sport?
This is a difficult question for me because I'm extremely happy with my current job and can't see myself leaving. When I set out to coach I never expected to be where I am. As simple as it is, a goal in my life, and career, is 'Be Happy'. With any future coaching jobs it's important the position allows me to pursue the best version of myself and to be happy, whether that's as a head coach or an assistant.

Which coaches have influenced you the most?
On top of my mentors, Abbey Sutherland, Betty Lange, and Samantha Birkicht, I give a lot of thanks and credit to my high school coaches, Chris Ebben and Tom Belling. Coach Ebben and Coach Belling gave me an opportunity to play the sport that became my passion. Without them I likely wouldn't be involved with volleyball right now.

Favorite Quote:
"This too shall pass." My dad has told me this quote throughout my life. To me, it's a reminder that we've all been in difficult situations in the past, and we've gotten through all of them. When I'm overwhelmed, stressed, or scared of the unknown.

Favorite practice drill/activity:
At Green Bay we play a game our staff calls Throwball. It's a 4v4 full court game and the attack has to be a shot (high line, four-to-four, setter dump, etc). It forces players to play out of position and adapt to the situation quickly. Teams only have a minute to strategize for each matchup, and typically end up having to change that strategy throughout the game.

What is your favorite part of your coaching job?
Seeing the personal growth of my student-athletes, staff members, and myself. The highlights of coaching for me are when we've been talking about a concept like gratitude, self care, or growth mindset and you see the light bulb click. I look back 2, 3, or 4 years and smile at the growth an individual has made. I love that I get to go on the journey of finding my best self with my student-athletes. All of the podcasts, videos, and articles we discuss with our players I get to experience too. Being a coach has made me a better person and hopefully in return a better role model for my student-athletes.

What does receiving this award mean to you?
It gives me reassurance I made the right decision to change careers and that I'm on the right path to self improvement. Early in my career I've been fortunate to work for and with several influential coaches. This award makes me grateful to be surrounded with great mentors and people who have shaped my life. I would not have even been considered for this award without their belief and support in me.

Additional Comments:
A huge thank you to the student-athletes at Green Bay who allow me to be myself as a coach and person, and support me more than they know. Thank you to Abbey Sutherland who nominated me and believes in me every day. Thank you to the AVCA for recognizing the talent and hard work of young coaches around the country. I am grateful and humbled to be chosen for this award.

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