Kuyper College Names Aubrey Bates Head Coach of Women's Volleyball

Kuyper College Athletics has announced the appointment of Aubrey Bates as the next Head Coach of the Women’s Volleyball program. A West Michigan native and standout collegiate player, Bates joins the Cougars following a record-setting playing career and several years of coaching experience in the region’s club volleyball circuit.

Bates takes over a program the College hopes to build around her playing pedigree, coaching background, and established ties to the West Michigan club volleyball community.

A graduate of Coopersville High School, Bates established herself as one of the top setters in West Michigan before continuing her career at Siena Heights University. Playing for the Saints, she put together one of the most decorated careers in program history within the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC):

• Inducted into the Siena Heights Hall of Fame, Class of 2025–2026
• Program’s all-time leader in career assists (4,751) and career service aces (214)
• NAIA All-American honoree (2022), the first women’s volleyball player in Siena Heights history to earn the distinction
• WHAC Setter of the Year (2021) and multi-time First Team All-WHAC selection

Beyond her work running the offense, Bates was also a consistent presence on defense, finishing her career with more than 1,300 digs.

Following her collegiate career, Bates moved directly into coaching, working within the West Michigan club volleyball scene. That experience has centered on technical instruction, tactical development, and building team chemistry among younger players.

Her continued involvement in the regional club circuit gives her existing relationships with many of the top young players in Michigan, which is expected to benefit Kuyper’s recruiting efforts going forward.

“I am super excited to begin this new chapter as head coach and can’t wait to get to work. My goal is to build a program founded on hard work and accountability, helping each student-athlete grow not only in their sport but also in the classroom and as individuals. I am looking forward to creating a culture that develops well-rounded student-athletes who are prepared for success both on and off the court,” says Coach Bates.

“We are pleased to welcome Aubrey Bates to lead our volleyball program,” said Tyler Whitcomb, Director of Athletics. “Aubrey understands what a championship-level culture looks like, having built one herself as a player and an All-American leader. Her dedication to teaching the game and mentoring student-athletes fits well with Kuyper’s mission.”

As a former setter, Bates brings an understanding of game management and player development that the college expects will shape both the culture and competitiveness of the program moving forward. Additional details on her coaching staff and program plans will be announced at a later date.