One Coach, Two Teams: Keven John to Lead Both BU Volleyball Programs

Photos provided by Rampage student photographer Rachel Hendrick.

Two teams, one coach. That is the challenge facing veteran coach Kevin John as he now leads both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at Bluefield University.

Coach John came to Bluefield in the fall of 2023 to revive the men’s volleyball program, bringing with him more than 30 years of coaching experience at a variety of levels, including club volleyball, USA volleyball, NAIA, and NCAA Division I, II and III. And now as the leader of both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at BU, he said there is not one particular thing he is excited about — just the opportunity to coach even more.

“I love volleyball,” Coach John said. “There is not anything particularly that I am excited about coaching both men and women. It is simply good to have volleyball as often as possible.”

Coach John said he expects he’ll have more work to do now and a greater need for time management, but despite that he still has a clear vision and lofty goals.

“We want to be nationally relevant programs,” Coach John said. “Both teams have a chance to be part of future national tournaments.”

The women’s volleyball team has already started the 2025 season with a number of big wins, including a victory of cross-town rival and NCAA Division II foe Bluefield State University.

“We have a deep and resilient team,” Coach John said. “I ran multiple lineups versus B-State, and the athletes embraced their roles.”

Resilience is needed for every team, and embracing roles is needed from every player. As the women’s season progresses, and the men’s season approaches, both teams are finding their identity in grit.

“Grit will be the strength of our foundation as we start conference play,” Coach John said.

Wins and challenges on the court are one thing, but challenges in life are another. Coach John
has been coaching for 34 years, and each season he holds his players to a set of standards that go
beyond athletics.

“My goals are the same every year and that is my student-athletes exhibit growth in every aspect of their lives,” Coach John said. “My aim is that every one of my players is the best version of themselves athletically, academically, and as citizens.”