ITHACA, N.Y. -- Trudy Vande Berg, the Wendy Schaenen '79 Head Coach of Volleyball, has signed a multi-year contract extension to continue leading the Big Red program, it was announced today by Dr. Nicki Moore, the Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education.

Vande Berg, who took the helm in 2015, has guided the Big Red through a decade of competitive growth while establishing a strong cultural foundation on and off the court.

"Trudy has built a program defined by integrity, continuous improvement, competitiveness, and a commitment to the total development of her student-athletes," Moore said. "Her leadership has elevated Cornell volleyball and has demonstrated adaptability, all the while making decisions that center the greatest good for the team. She has been persistent in pursuing her own growth and development as a head coach, in surrounding herself with excellent staff members, and in contributing to the life of our department and the Ithaca community. I look forward to what the future holds under her direction."

Over the past 10 seasons, Vande Berg has reshaped the program's structure and trajectory. In 2024, tasked with assembling a completely new staff, the Big Red went on to earn Ivy League Coaching Staff of the Year honors after guiding Cornell to its first Ivy League Tournament appearance since 2006. Cornell is in the midst of a standout 2025 season, entering the Ivy League Tournament with a 15-9 overall record and a 10-4 conference mark.

Vande Berg herself was named Ivy League Coach of the Year in 2017 after leading the Big Red to a 12-11 overall record and an 8-6 mark in conference play — the program's first winning season under her direction. The Big Red has finished in the top three of the final Ivy League standings five times during her tenure, including each of the past two years.

"I'm incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this program," Vande Berg said. "I love Cornell — the people, the culture and the student-first mentality. I've found a home here. Our staff works tirelessly because we care deeply about this team, and it's an honor to be part of a community that supports and inspires us."

Vande Berg's coaching career included frequent moves early on, making her long-term commitment to Cornell especially meaningful.

"Cornell is a place where I can succeed and be happy," she said. "It's one thing to love your job, but loving where you live matters just as much. Ithaca gives me balance, perspective and a sense of belonging. I know I'm contributing to something bigger than myself — our athletes, our staff, this program and this university."

The Big Red will face Yale in the Ivy tournament's opening round on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. in Dillon Gymnasium on Princeton's campus.