Emma Derry Chosen as Women's Volleyball Head Coach

The Brescia University Athletics Department welcomes new women’s head volleyball coach, Emma Derry, to the program. Emma is from Bloomington, IL where she achieved her bachelor’s degree from Lincoln College and garnered All Conference and Setter of the Year in 2019.  In 2020 she started her Masters in Sports Management from Illinois State University. While earning her master’s at Illinois State (2020-21), she served as a Special Events Graduate Assistant where she helped plan, organize, and coordinate events.

After graduating from Illinois State, she became the Assistant to the Athletic Director at Lincoln College in Lincoln, IL from 2021-2022. Coach Derry is no stranger when it comes to being on the volleyball court as she holds two jobs in the coaching community: Head Coach for the Illini Elite Volleyball Club and Head Coach for Lincoln Community High School.  

As the Head Volleyball Coach at Lincoln Community High School, her team evolved from six or less win seasons to a 30-win season in 2022 and finished 2^nd in the Apollo Conference and won the region. 

Athletic Director Mark Perdue quoted, “Emma brings a great deal of playing and coaching knowledge to BU as well as great energy which will transition to great success for the volleyball program.  We are glad to have her become part of the Bearcat family.” 

Coach Derry is currently recruiting for the upcoming season and can be reached at emmalee.derry@brescia.edu.