FULTON, Mo.- William Woods University Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Ike Papes as the new Head Women's Volleyball Coach. Coach Papes will be leading the Owls' volleyball program in their second season of Heart of America Athletic Conference play. 

Papes joins the Owls from Simpson College, where he served as both the Head Men's Volleyball Coach and Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach. His tenure at Simpson College was marked by his commitment to developing competitive teams and fostering the growth of his athletes. 

Papes has an impressive background in the sport, both as a coach and a player. As an All-American player at William Penn University, he was a multiple-time All-Conference selection for the Statesmen in his four years. While in Oskaloosa, Ike led the William Penn men's volleyball team as a player to the NAIA National Semi-Finalist stage.  

The athletic department is enthusiastic about this new chapter for the Owls' volleyball program. In a statement, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Brian Spielbauer, expressed: "I'm very excited to have Ike as our next head volleyball coach. He did a wonderful job during the interview process and connected well with not only our search committee, but also our current team members. I'm excited about the future of Owl Volleyball with Ike at the helm!" 

Coach Papes also shared his enthusiasm for joining the William Woods University community, "I'm very excited to join the women's volleyball program at William Woods University and be part of this proud community. I'm looking forward to building trust with our players, working hard together, and creating a family atmosphere that would make the community proud." 

Papes is set to take over a William Woods squad coming off a playoff appearance in their first year of Heart Conference play with a 19-12 record and a 10-8 record in conference.