12/5 - Former Point Loma Nazarene University volleyball coach Barb Wnek, was inducted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame on Tuesday, November 29^th. Wnek becomes the fifth PLNU representative in the hall.

“I was completely shocked when I received the letter from the NAIA about the induction,” said Wnek.  “I attribute the honor to God’s grace and blessing in my life.” 

Wnek’s history in NAIA volleyball goes back to the mid-‘80s when she was known by her maiden name, Barb Rozendal. Playing for Biola University, she twice earned All-American status and, in 1986, was named the District 3 Player of the Year.

In 1987, just one year out of college, Wnek took over PLNU’s struggling volleyball program and quickly transformed the team into a perennial NAIA power. During her 17 years as head coach, the Sea Lions compiled a 357-194 overall record, winning a pair of conference championships and three regional titles. In both 1990 and 2000 Wnek was named as the Golden State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. 

In addition, under Wnek, PLNU made eight national tournament appearances, posting a 30-12 mark in tournament play. Her squads reached two semifinals and played in the 1996 championship match. Wnek was named the national tournament Coach of the Year following PLNU’s 1996 Runner-Up finish. After a semifinal showing in 2001, she was selected as the NAIA/ American Volleyball Association Coach of the Year.  

A professor in the Point Loma kinesiology department, Wnek worked just as hard with her players to help them reach their potential off the court.

“Barb’s teams were not only competitive, the members of those teams were outstanding young women and student-athletes,” said PLNU Athletic Director Carroll Land. “Her players achieved academically and conducted themselves admirably in and outside the competitive arena.”

Wnek retired from the rigors of collegiate coaching following the 2003 season to spend more time with her family. She continues to be involved with the sport she loves, coaching at Christian High School in El Cajon, CA.

“The friendships on and off the court, the student-athletes and their drive, and the thrill of competition are all of the things that I enjoyed very much throughout my career at PLNU,” Wnek reminisced. “I would like to thank all of the people who supported me over the years.”