Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

Ian Harris
Head Men’s Volleyball Coach | June 24, 2021 – Present

Ian Harris was named the first head men’s volleyball coach in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College history on June 24, 2021, and has led the Pomeroys from the program’s launch into one of the top emerging programs in the region. In addition to his duties with Pomeroy volleyball, Harris is the SMWC NAIA Complaince Coordinator.

After building the program from the ground up, Harris guided SMWC through its first varsity season in 2023. The Pomeroys continued to grow quickly under his direction, breaking through in 2024 with the first winning season in program history.

The program continued its rise in 2025, posting a 26-10 overall record and an 8-8 mark in conference play for its second consecutive winning campaign. SMWC followed with another historic season in 2026, finishing 27-9 overall and 9-7 in River States Conference play while setting a program record for victories.

In 2026, Harris helped lead the Pomeroys to the first home postseason match in program history. The season also featured multiple River States Conference honorees, with Yammiel Martinez and Bentley Meyer earning All-RSC Second Team honors, Tyler Duranceau receiving Third Team recognition and Jalen Noveda being named to the RSC Champions of Character Team.

Martinez was also recognized as both River States Conference Defender of the Week and NAIA National Defender of the Week during the season, highlighting the continued development of standout performers under Harris’ leadership.
 

Experience

Harris came to SMWC from Berea College, where he served as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the women’s volleyball program while working alongside his wife, Ashley. Prior to Berea, he worked with Ashley at Tennessee Wesleyan University during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Before entering collegiate volleyball, Harris served as recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach for the Maryville College football program from 2012 to 2016. He also worked as director of player personnel for several arena football organizations, including the Green Bay Blizzard, Columbus Lions and Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz.

Harris began his collegiate athletics career as an undergraduate at Marshall University, where he served as assistant to the recruiting coordinator for the football program from 2003 to 2006.
 

Personal

Ian and his wife, Ashley, live in Terre Haute, Indiana, with their two daughters, Poppy Austinn Harris and Rayn Journi Harris.
 

Year-by-Year at SMWC

Career Record at SMWC: 73-58
Career Conference Record at SMWC: 22-46