MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- The Bethel University Women's Volleyball team announces the hiring of NCCAA Champion and All-American Madyson (Beaver) Kern after a stint as head coach of Bethany Christian School and an assistant at Concord High School.

Kern was the setter for the Pilots from 2018-2023 and helped lead the team to an NCCAA National Championship in the 2020 season. In 2020, the Pilots defeated tournament host Northwestern College in the NCCAA National Championship 3-2 in Saint Paul, Minn.

During her collegiate career, Kern was the 2022-23 Ron Paulsen Award Winner, 2x Crossroads League Academic All-Crossroads League, 3x Second Team All-Crossroads League, 2x Honorable Mention All-Crossroads League, 3x NCCAA Scholar Athlete, 2020 NCCAA All-Tournament Team, and was captain for two seasons. Among other honors, she received Crossroads League Attacker of the week on Oct. 19, 2020, and NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week on Sept. 14, 2020. Kern holds the program record of eighth service aces in a single match back on August 31, 2019, against the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers.

"I am so incredibly excited and honored to be back at Bethel!" said Kern, "BU truly was my second home for 5 years and a second family to me. I am so grateful that Erica has brought me back! I am looking forward to creating relationships with this team, encouraging them in their walk with Christ, watching them grow as people and players, and pushing them to be the best they can be!!! I'm excited to be working alongside Erica and learning from her as well!!! I feel so blessed for this opportunity and journey! All glory to God and GO PILOTS!!!"

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