John Gump to step down at Kutztown University as volleyball coach at season’s end

John Gump, Kutztown University women’s volleyball’s for nearly two-thirds of its all-time victories, has announced that 2021 will be his final season with the Golden Bears.

The two-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year has won 610 games, at Allentown College from 1988-95, Lehigh in 1996 and Kutztown since 1997.

His next win will be his 400th with the Golden Bears, who are currently 6-9.

Their next game is Wednesday vs. Lock Haven at Keystone Arena.

“I have been coaching for more than 60 percent of my life,” Gump said in a release. “I’ve poured my heart and my time into my players and teams for the past 35 years. It has been incredibly rewarding and I cherish the relationships and memories I made more than I could ever express.

“But, it’s time for the next phase of my life to begin and while I know I will miss lots of things about coaching I’m excited for life to slow down a bit and have the chance to do some things I just haven’t had time for.”

Gump’s collegiate coaching career started with eight consecutive 20-plus win seasons and four conference Coach of the Year awards at Allentown. The Golden Bears went 20-10 in his first season, improved to 23-8 with a second-place finish in the PSAC East in his second season and another 20-win campaign in 1999.

Over the course of his KU career Gump has had 10 seasons of 20 or more victories. The Golden Bears won outright PSAC East championships in 2003, 2005 and 2006 and shared the division title in 2002. They also qualified for nine PSAC tournaments, reaching the semifinals six times (1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2010).

“I want to extend my congratulations to John on this huge milestone in his career and in his life,” said Matt Santos, vice president for University Relations & Athletics. “John’s track record at KU and throughout his career is an indication of a long, sustained period of dedication and hard work.

“While one can point at his 400 wins at KU and other team and individual accomplishments as highlights of his career, John’s real legacy is recruiting, coaching and graduating many outstanding student-athletes through the years who have gone out into the world and made a difference. That is the true benchmark of a successful college coach.”

During his tenure at Kutztown, Gump coached the program’s first All-American, Sarah Brandon in 2006, along with 47 All-PSAC East selections, including 17 who were named to the first team. He has coached five PSAC East Players of the Year and two Rookies of the Year twice.

“John’s commitment to the success of our volleyball student-athletes on and off the court over more than two decades cannot be understated,” said Renee Hellert, Kutztown’s Director of Athletics. “He has provided a quality student-athlete experience, mentored many players beyond their time at KU and he deserves to enjoy what lies ahead in his life. We wish him all the best in retirement.”

Gump has a 610-452 overall record (.574), including 399-339 (.541) at Kutztown.

The regular season finale is Nov. 13 at Bloomsburg.