As both the Marketing & PR Manager and the Head Coach of the Women’s Volleyball team at Gwynedd Mercy University, Lauren Yancer embodies the spirit of her alma mater, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can indeed wear multiple hats. 

From First-Generation College Student to University Luminary 

Graduating from William Tennent High School in 2018, where she took classes with Gwynedd Mercy University as part of its Dual Enrollment program, Lauren embarked on her collegiate journey as a first-generation college student. Amid uncertainties about the future, GMercyU was the right choice, primarily due to its proximity to home and the supportive environment it promised.  

Yancer’s undergraduate years were marked by involvement and leadership. As a four-year member and captain of the Women’s Volleyball team, she demonstrated athletic success and leadership. 

Academically, she shone just as brightly, earning a spot on the All-Academic Team for four consecutive seasons and representing her peers on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. 

Discovering a Passion for Marketing 

Initially enrolled as a management major, a high school marketing class sparked Yancer’s interest in the creative possibilities of marketing. This revelation led her to switch her major to Marketing, a decision further solidified after meeting now Professor Emeritus Dr. Ralph Hoffman, who would become a mentor and advisor.  

Her academic journey at GMercyU was enriched by opportunities to engage in real-world applications of her studies, including valuable internships that offered hands-on experience in the field. 

An Unplanned Path to Volleyball Coaching 

Yancer’s transition from student to staff at GMercyU was almost serendipitous. An internship in the university’s marketing department unveiled a newfound aspiration to work in higher education, a dream realized when she was offered a position immediately following her graduation in December 2021. 

Unexpectedly, Yancer also found herself at the helm of the Women’s Volleyball team this past summer, stepping into the role of head coach at only 23 years old after the previous coach’s departure.  

When the previous coach stepped down, Yancer’s boss asked if she would be interested in applying for the part-time position.   

Despite the odds, she decided to throw her hat into the ring. Throughout the application process, Yancer considered what unique qualities she could bring to the role; she tapped into the skills she’d been honing as a member of the University’s Marketing team.  

She enlisted girls from her club team to write testimonials, a move that caught the attention of GMercyU’s Athletic Director.  

Further leveraging her marketing expertise, Yancer addressed potential recruitment challenges head-on, presenting a comprehensive plan during her interview.  

This strategy led to her being offered the job on the spot. Within days, she was introduced to the team, and almost immediately, the season commenced. Yancer described the rapid transition as a “whirlwind.”  

Her first season as coach saw the team achieving its most successful season in two decades.“Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would be where I am now,” she said.  

Lauren finds her greatest joy in coaching when she witnesses the moment of understanding in her players—the spark that signifies their grasp of a new skill or concept.  

This fulfillment stems from the knowledge that she has significantly contributed to their development. Her role at Gwynedd Mercy University allows her to extend her support beyond coaching, fostering growth within the volleyball program of her alma mater.  

This past season, under her guidance, the team embarked on their journey with humble beginnings, having only two days of preparation and no set expectations. Yet, from the first game, a remarkable synergy emerged, propelling them to a series of victories, including a significant win against a rival, which secured them a third seed in the Atlantic East Conference and their first home match in this standing.  

Their dedication and hard work culminated in reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2006, marking the most successful season in the last two decades and Yancer being named the AEC Coach of the Year.  

 For Yancer, this accolade and the season’s success were affirmations of her authenticity and dedication to her team and school. 

“My favorite part about both of my roles at GMercyU is the ability to share my love of the school, the impact its had on my life, and the potential impact it can have on future Griffins,” she said.  

Read more about Lauren Yancer’s successful journey from student to staff on Gwynedd Mercy University’s website.  

The College Tour – GMercyU – Full Episode