Bethel University Wildcats Volleyball

01/13/2025

Michela Cunha Named Head Volleyball Coach at Bethel University
MCKENZIE, Tenn. -Bethel Interim Director of Athletics Dave McCulley announced Michelle Cunha has been named Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at the school.
Cunha succeeds her longtime mentor Starla Cupples who was named Bethel’s Compliance Administrator and Senior Women’s Leader.
Michele just completed her 13th year as an assistant coach with the Bethel volleyball program.
She is from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and a graduate of Pedro II High School.
Coach Cunha was a four-year- member of the Bethel volleyball team, finishing her career in 2010. While at Bethel, she received conference Libero of the Week honors six times. Cunha still holds Bethel's single season records for digs (891), digs per set (8.17) and receptions (944), all set during the 2007 campaign. She also received TranSouth Conference honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Coach Cunha is third all-time in most digs per set for a single season (8.17 in 2007) in the NAIA volleyball record book. Her career totals include 2,576 digs and 2,881 serve receptions, both of which are school records. Cunha was recently inducted into the Bethel Athletic Hall of Fame.
She was also a three-time conference Scholar Athlete, receiving that honor in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Coach Cunha graduated from Bethel in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She earned a Master of Arts in education, summa cm laude, from Bethel in 2012.
Coach Cupples stated, “Michele is a true Bethel person. She loves the game and will continue to put her heart and soul into growing the program. I look forward to seeing the success her teams will have.”
McCulley commented, “Michele has been an excellent assistant coach. She has been a valuable asset to our department, and we are certain she will be a successful head coach. We are excited about the future of the program.”
Coach Cunha commented, “I am excited to announce that I have accepted the position of head coach for our volleyball program. After 13 rewarding years as the assistant coach, I am thrilled for the opportunity to take on this new challenge and continue to contribute to the growth and success of our athletes. I look forward to leading the team, creating a positive and competitive environment, and building upon the strong foundation we have established over the years. I would like to thank Coach Cupples for all those years of dedication and all the help with the transition. Here's to the next chapter of our volleyball program.”

01/13/2025

Longtime Volleyball Coach Named Compliance Administrator and Senior Women’s Leader
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Bethel University Interim Athletic Director Dave McCulley announced longtime Bethel Volleyball Coach Starla Cupples has been named Bethel’s Compliance Administrator and Senior Women’s Leader.
Cupples follows her longtime mentor Malissa Vaughn who will be retiring soon. Vaughn will remain the Faculty Athletic Representative to the NAIA until retirement. She will also oversee the transition of the new assignments for Cupples.
Cupples just completed her 20th year as head coach of the Bethel volleyball program.
The Lexington, Tennessee native began her career at Bethel as a dual-sport athlete in the fall of 1999 as a member of the volleyball and softball teams. She graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education and kinesiology.
As a graduate assistant in 2004, Cupples worked under the guidance of Malissa Vaughn. In 2005, Cupples was named head coach. She completed her Master of Education degree in 2008.
Coach Cupples, her husband Kevin, son Aiden and daughter Briley reside in McKenzie.
Vaughn commented, “I am so happy for Starla. She represents the best in college athletics. As a player she gave her best every day and as a coach she gave her athletes the best experience possible. She will bring that same excellence to her new positions as Compliance Administrator and Senior Women's Leader. Her work ethic and integrity will ensure that Bethel athletics continues to be a vital part of the NAIA and Bethel University. I also want to congratulate Michele Cunha on her being named the head volleyball coach. That is well deserved.”
McCulley commented, “I echo the sentiments of Mrs. Vaughn. Starla is respected by the entire department. She cares about the student athletes and her experience at the university will enable her to make the transition into her new roles that will benefit all involved.”
Cupples was 28th in wins among active coaches at the end of the past season.
Cupples stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to move into the Athletic Compliance Administrator and Senior Women's Leader positions. I have loved coaching, and especially my athletes, but after 20 seasons, it's time for a change. I am ready to be home more and able to enjoy the time with my family. I'd like to thank Mrs. Vaughn for her help in the transition.”

12/24/2024

12/12/2024

12/07/2024

Sami and Madison graduated today! Congratulations and best wishes on your future endeavors.

11/26/2024

Long time supporter Mrs Robye Lindsey passed away Monday. We extend our condolences to family and friends. We will surely miss having her in the stands.

11/05/2024

Dominika Skoneczna is Bethel's selection for the MSC Champions of Character team.

10/21/2024

Congratulations to Sami Parker for earning the Mid-South Conference defensive player of the week!

10/18/2024

Lady Cats Beat Lady Lions
MCKENZIE, Tenn. -The Bethel Lady Wildcats and the Freed-Harderman Lady Lions met for the 47th time in volleyball Thursday night. The two programs had won 23 times in the long series between the two schools.
The Lady Cats snapped that tie with a 3-1 victory over the visitors from Henderson. The Cats beat the Lions 3-0 back in September in Henderson.
Bethel won 19-25, 25-20, 25-21 and 25-19.
Gabriela Dominguez led the attack with 18 kills. Dominka Skoneczna followed with 15 kills. Sami Parker had 19 digs. Setareh Valibeygi had 29 assists while Mackenzie McCammon contributed with 19 assists.
The Cats moved to 13-7 overall and 3-4 in the Mid-South Conference. FHU fell to 12-13 and 1-7.
Bethel resumes play Wednesday at the University of the Cumberlands.
The action begins at 5:30 CT in Williamsburg.
Stats:
https://cumberlandspatriots.com/sidearmstats/wvball/summary
Watch:
https://cumberlandspatriots.com/watch/?Live=925&type=Live

10/09/2024

Bethel University vs Georgetown College Game Highlights - Oct. 5, 2024

10/06/2024

Got the W

Volley Cats Snap Losing Streak upending Georgetown
MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Lady Wildcats snapped a four-game losing streak beating visiting Georgetown 3-2 in Crisp Arena Saturday afternoon.
Bethel moved to 10-6 and 2-4 in the MSC. Georgetown dropped to 3-9 and 2-4.
Bethel won 21-25, 25-21, 25-18, 20-25 and 15-11.
Dominika Skoneczna led the Cats with 18 kills. Clara Presmanes followed with 16 kills.
Setarah Valibeygi had 26 assists while Sami Parker had 16 digs. Mackenzie McCammon had 11 digs. Kennidi Morrison had 14 digs.
Bethel travels to Cumberland University Thursday to meet the Phoenix at 7 p.m.