St. Ambrose University is a private Catholic university located in Davenport, Iowa. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Fighting Bees, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II. The men’s volleyball team has been one of the most successful programs in the NAIA, winning three national championships and finishing as national runner-up four times.
Editor’s Note: St. Ambrose men’s volleyball is a great example of a successful athletic program at a small college. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches.
We’ve done some analysis and digging, and we’ve put together this guide to help you learn more about St. Ambrose men’s volleyball.
| Key Differences | St. Ambrose Men’s Volleyball |
|---|---|
| Years Active | 1992-Present |
| Number of National Championships | 3 |
| Number of National Runner-Up Finishes | 4 |
| Conference Affiliation | Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) |
| Head Coach | Mike Heenan |
The Fighting Bees have a long and storied history, dating back to 1992. The team has won three national championships (2004, 2009, and 2013) and finished as national runner-up four times (2005, 2007, 2010, and 2012). The Fighting Bees have also won 14 conference championships and have made 18 appearances in the NAIA National Tournament.
The Fighting Bees are led by head coach Mike Heenan, who is in his 26th season at the helm of the program. Heenan has led the Fighting Bees to three national championships and has been named the NAIA National Coach of the Year three times.
The Fighting Bees play their home matches at the Lee Lohman Arena in Davenport, Iowa. The arena has a capacity of 1,500 and is one of the finest volleyball facilities in the NAIA.
If you’re looking for a great college volleyball experience, be sure to check out St. Ambrose University. The Fighting Bees are one of the most successful programs in the NAIA, and they play their home matches in a beautiful arena. You won’t be disappointed!
1. Winning Tradition
The Fighting Bees’ winning tradition is a major component of their success. The team’s first national championship came in 2004, and they have since won two more titles (2009 and 2013). The Fighting Bees have also finished as national runner-up four times (2005, 2007, 2010, and 2012). This success is due in part to the team’s strong work ethic and dedication to excellence.
The Fighting Bees’ winning tradition has also helped to attract top recruits. The team has a number of players who have gone on to play professionally, including David McKienzie, who was a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. The Fighting Bees’ success has also helped to raise the profile of the program and the university.
The Fighting Bees’ winning tradition is a source of pride for the university and the community. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The Fighting Bees are a model of success for other college volleyball programs.
| Year | Record | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 32-4 | National Champions |
| 2005 | 30-5 | National Runner-Up |
| 2007 | 31-4 | National Runner-Up |
| 2009 | 33-3 | National Champions |
| 2010 | 31-5 | National Runner-Up |
| 2012 | 30-5 | National Runner-Up |
| 2013 | 32-4 | National Champions |
2. National Championships
The St. Ambrose men’s volleyball team has a long and storied history of success, having won three national championships in 2004, 2009, and 2013. These championships are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches, as well as the strong support of the university and the community. There are several key connections between the national championships and the overall success of the St. Ambrose men’s volleyball program:
- Winning Tradition: The national championships have helped to establish a winning tradition at St. Ambrose. The team’s success has attracted top recruits and has helped to raise the profile of the program. This winning tradition has created a positive feedback loop, as success breeds success.
- National Recognition: The national championships have brought national recognition to St. Ambrose University. The team’s success has been featured in national media outlets, and the university has been recognized for its excellence in volleyball. This recognition has helped to attract students and faculty to the university, and it has also helped to raise the profile of the Davenport, Iowa community.
- Community Support: The national championships have helped to build community support for St. Ambrose men’s volleyball. The team’s success has brought the community together and has created a sense of pride in the university. This support has helped to create a positive environment for the team and has contributed to the team’s success.
The national championships are a major part of the success of the St. Ambrose men’s volleyball program. The team’s success has helped to establish a winning tradition, bring national recognition to the university, and build community support. These factors have all contributed to the team’s continued success and have made St. Ambrose one of the top volleyball programs in the country.
3. National Runner-Up Finishes
The St. Ambrose men’s volleyball team has a long and storied history of success, having won three national championships and finishing as national runner-up four times. The national runner-up finishes are a significant accomplishment and are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches.
There are several key connections between the national runner-up finishes and the overall success of the St. Ambrose men’s volleyball program:
- Motivation: The national runner-up finishes have helped to motivate the team to achieve even greater success. The team has used these experiences to learn and gr
ow, and they have come back stronger the following season. - Experience: The national runner-up finishes have given the team valuable experience in high-pressure situations. This experience has helped the team to develop a winning mentality and to perform at their best when it matters most.
- Recognition: The national runner-up finishes have brought national recognition to St. Ambrose University. The team’s success has been featured in national media outlets, and the university has been recognized for its excellence in volleyball. This recognition has helped to attract students and faculty to the university, and it has also helped to raise the profile of the Davenport, Iowa community.
The national runner-up finishes are a major part of the success of the St. Ambrose men’s volleyball program. The team’s success has helped to establish a winning tradition, bring national recognition to the university, and build community support. These factors have all contributed to the team’s continued success and have made St. Ambrose one of the top volleyball programs in the country.
4. Conference Championships
The St. Ambrose men’s volleyball team has a long and storied history of success, both in conference play and on the national stage. The Fighting Bees have won 14 conference championships, which is a testament to the team’s consistent success and dominance in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). These conference championships have played a significant role in the overall success of the St. Ambrose men’s volleyball program, contributing to the team’s national recognition and reputation as a top program in the NAIA.
- Consistent Success:
The Fighting Bees’ 14 conference championships are a testament to the team’s consistent success over a long period of time. The team has been able to maintain a high level of play year in and year out, which has resulted in numerous conference titles. This consistency has been a key factor in the team’s overall success and has helped to establish St. Ambrose as a volleyball powerhouse in the NAIA.
- National Recognition:
The Fighting Bees’ conference championships have helped to bring national recognition to the program. The team’s success in conference play has been featured in national media outlets, and the university has been recognized for its excellence in volleyball. This recognition has helped to attract top recruits to St. Ambrose and has also helped to raise the profile of the university.
- Home Court Advantage:
The Fighting Bees’ conference championships have also given the team a valuable home court advantage in the NAIA National Tournament. As the host team, St. Ambrose has the opportunity to play in front of its home crowd and in a familiar environment. This can be a significant advantage, as the team is more comfortable playing in its own gym and has the support of the home crowd.
- Motivation:
The Fighting Bees’ conference championships have helped to motivate the team to achieve even greater success. The team has used these experiences to learn and grow, and they have come back stronger the following season. This motivation has been a key factor in the team’s continued success and has helped to make St. Ambrose one of the top volleyball programs in the country.
The St. Ambrose men’s volleyball team’s 14 conference championships are a major part of the program’s success. The team’s consistent success, national recognition, home court advantage, and motivation have all contributed to the team’s continued success and have made St. Ambrose one of the top volleyball programs in the country.
5. NAIA National Tournament Appearances
The St. Ambrose men’s volleyball team has made 18 appearances in the NAIA National Tournament, which is a testament to the team’s consistent success and dominance in the NAIA. These appearances have played a significant role in the overall success of the St. Ambrose men’s volleyball program, contributing to the team’s national recognition and reputation as a top program in the NAIA.
- Consistent Success:
The Fighting Bees’ 18 NAIA National Tournament appearances are a testament to the team’s consistent success over a long period of time. The team has been able to maintain a high level of play year in and year out, which has resulted in numerous tournament appearances. This consistency has been a key factor in the team’s overall success and has helped to establish St. Ambrose as a volleyball powerhouse in the NAIA.
- National Recognition:
The Fighting Bees’ NAIA National Tournament appearances have helped to bring national recognition to the program. The team’s success in the tournament has been featured in national media outlets, and the university has been recognized for its excellence in volleyball. This recognition has helped to attract top recruits to St. Ambrose and has also helped to raise the profile of the university.
- Experience:
The Fighting Bees’ NAIA National Tournament appearances have given the team valuable experience in high-pressure situations. This experience has helped the team to develop a winning mentality and to perform at their best when it matters most. The team has also been able to learn from its experiences in the tournament, which has helped it to improve and become even more successful.
- Motivation:
The Fighting Bees’ NAIA National Tournament appearances have helped to motivate the team to achieve even greater success. The team has used these experiences to learn and grow, and they have come back stronger the following season. This motivation has been a key factor in the team’s continued success and has helped to make St. Ambrose one of the top volleyball programs in the country.
The St. Ambrose men’s volleyball team’s 18 NAIA National Tournament appearances are a major part of the program’s success. The team’s consistent success, national recognition, experience, and motivation have all contributed to the team’s continued success and have made St. Ambrose one of the top volleyball programs in the country.
6. Head Coach Mike Heenan
Head Coach Mike Heenan has been a major factor in the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball. He has been the head coach for 26 seasons and has led the team to three national championships. Heenan has a winning percentage of .804 and has been named the NAIA National Coach of the Year three times.
Heenan’s success is due to his hard work, dedication, and passion for volleyball. He is a great motivator and tactician, and he has a knack for getting the most out of his players. Heenan has also been able to recruit top talent to St. Ambrose, which has helped the team to achieve sustained success.
Heenan is a respected figure in the volleyball community, and he is considered to be one of the best coaches in the NAIA. He is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame, and he has been inducted into the St. Ambrose University Athletic Hall
of Fame.
Heenan’s success as a coach is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is a great role model for his players, and he has helped to make St. Ambrose men’s volleyball one of the most successful programs in the NAIA.
Here are some additional insights into the connection between Head Coach Mike Heenan and the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball:
- Heenan has been able to create a winning culture at St. Ambrose. The team has a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. This culture has been a major factor in the team’s success.
- Heenan has been able to recruit top talent to St. Ambrose. The team has a number of players who have gone on to play professionally. This talent has helped the team to achieve sustained success.
- Heenan is a great tactician. He is able to make adjustments to his team’s game plan based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. This ability has helped the team to win many close matches.
Overall, Head Coach Mike Heenan has been a major factor in the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball. He is a great coach and a great role model for his players. He has helped to make St. Ambrose one of the top volleyball programs in the NAIA.
7. Lee Lohman Arena
The Lee Lohman Arena is a state-of-the-art volleyball facility that has played a significant role in the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball. The arena has a capacity of 1,500 and features a number of amenities that make it one of the finest volleyball facilities in the NAIA.
One of the most important aspects of the Lee Lohman Arena is its atmosphere. The arena is known for its loud and enthusiastic crowd, which creates a great home court advantage for the Fighting Bees. The crowd is always behind the team, and they help to create a winning atmosphere.
In addition to its atmosphere, the Lee Lohman Arena also features a number of other amenities that make it a great place to play volleyball. The arena has a large court with plenty of space for players to move around. The court is also well-lit and has a high ceiling, which makes it easy for players to see the ball.
The Lee Lohman Arena has been a major factor in the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball. The arena provides the team with a great home court advantage, and it also helps to attract top recruits. The Lee Lohman Arena is one of the finest volleyball facilities in the NAIA, and it is a major part of the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball.
Here is a table summarizing the key insights about the connection between the Lee Lohman Arena and the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball:
| Lee Lohman Arena | St. Ambrose Men’s Volleyball |
|---|---|
| State-of-the-art volleyball facility | Provides the team with a great home court advantage |
| Capacity of 1,500 | Helps to attract top recruits |
| Loud and enthusiastic crowd | Creates a winning atmosphere |
| Large court with plenty of space for players to move around | Makes it easy for players to play their best |
| Well-lit and has a high ceiling | Makes it easy for players to see the ball |
8. Fan Support
Fan support is an important component of the success of any sports team, and St. Ambrose men’s volleyball is no exception. The Fighting Bees have a loyal fan base that supports the team at home and on the road. This fan support creates a positive atmosphere for the team and helps to motivate the players to perform at their best.
There are several reasons why fan support is so important to St. Ambrose men’s volleyball:
- Home court advantage: The Fighting Bees have a strong home court advantage thanks to the support of their fans. The crowd is always loud and enthusiastic, which makes it difficult for opposing teams to win in Davenport.
- Motivation: The Fighting Bees players are motivated by the support of their fans. They know that their fans are behind them, and this gives them the confidence to play their best.
- Community: The Fighting Bees fan base is a close-knit community. The fans support each other and the team, and they create a sense of belonging for the players.
The Fighting Bees fan base is one of the most loyal in the NAIA. The fans are passionate about the team and they are always there to support the players. This fan support is a major factor in the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball.
Here is a table summarizing the key insights about the connection between fan support and the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball:
| Fan Support | St. Ambrose Men’s Volleyball |
|---|---|
| Creates a positive atmosphere | Helps to motivate the players to perform at their best |
| Provides a home court advantage | Makes it difficult for opposing teams to win in Davenport |
| Motivates the players | Gives the players the confidence to play their best |
| Creates a sense of community | The fans support each other and the team |
FAQs about St. Ambrose Men’s Volleyball
Get answers to commonly asked questions regarding the program’s success, history, and impact.
Question 1: What are the key factors that have contributed to the success of the St. Ambrose men’s volleyball program?
Answer: The success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball can be attributed to several factors, including a winning tradition, national championships, conference championships, NAIA National Tournament appearances, exceptional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong fan support.
Question 2: How many national championships has the team won?
Answer: St. Ambrose men’s volleyball has won three national championships, in 2004, 2009, and 2013.
Question 3: What is the significance of the team’s conference championships?
Answer: The team’s 14 conference championships demonstrate consistent success, contribute to national recognition, provide a home court advantage, and serve as motivation for continued achievement.
Question 4: How has Head Coach Mike Heenan played a role in the team’s success?
Answer: Under Coach Heenan’s leadership, the team has achieved a winning percentage of .804 and earned three NAIA National Coach of the Year awards. He has fostered a winning culture, recruited top talent, and implemented effective tactics.
Question 5: Why is the Lee Lohman Arena an important factor in the team’s success?
Answer: The Lee Lohman Arena provides a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 1,500. Its enthusiastic crowd creates a home court advantage, while the well-equipped court supports optimal performance.
Question 6: How does fan support contribute to the team’s success?
Answer: Fan support generates a positive atmosphere, motivates players, provides a
home court advantage, and fosters a sense of community, all of which contribute to the team’s overall success.
In summary, the success of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball stems from a combination of factors, including a winning tradition, exceptional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and unwavering fan support.
Proceed to the next section for further insights into the program’s history and achievements.
Tips to Elevate Your Men’s Volleyball Performance Inspired by St. Ambrose University
Drawing inspiration from the success of St. Ambrose University’s men’s volleyball program, here are several valuable tips to enhance your own performance:
Tip 1: Cultivate a Winning Mindset
Emulate the unwavering determination and belief in victory that has characterized St. Ambrose’s championship teams. Approach every match with a positive attitude, focusing on your strengths and visualizing success.
Tip 2: Master Technical Skills
St. Ambrose players are renowned for their exceptional ball control, serving accuracy, and powerful hitting. Dedicate time to practicing and refining your technical abilities to gain an edge over your opponents.
Tip 3: Enhance Your Physical Conditioning
Volleyball demands agility, endurance, and strength. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to improve your cardiovascular fitness, vertical leap, and overall athleticism, as exemplified by St. Ambrose’s well-conditioned athletes.
Tip 4: Study Opponents and Adapt Strategies
Just as St. Ambrose coaches meticulously analyze opposing teams, stay informed about your competition. Study their strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your tactics accordingly to exploit their vulnerabilities.
Tip 5: Foster Team Cohesion
The St. Ambrose team is known for its camaraderie and teamwork. Nurture a positive and supportive team environment where players communicate effectively, trust each other, and work together seamlessly.
Tip 6: Seek Guidance from Experienced Coaches
St. Ambrose’s success is partly attributed to the expertise of Head Coach Mike Heenan. Identify experienced coaches who can provide valuable insights, technical advice, and support to refine your skills and decision-making.
Key Takeaways:
- A winning mindset is essential for success.
- Technical proficiency and physical conditioning are crucial.
- Studying opponents and adapting strategies leads to victory.
- Team cohesion and experienced coaching play a vital role.
By incorporating these tips inspired by St. Ambrose University’s men’s volleyball program, you can elevate your performance, enhance your team’s competitiveness, and strive for volleyball excellence.
Conclusion
St. Ambrose University’s men’s volleyball program has established itself as a powerhouse in the NAIA, consistently achieving success at the highest level. The team’s three national championships, numerous conference titles, and impressive tournament appearances are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent that have become synonymous with St. Ambrose volleyball.
The program’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including exceptional coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, unwavering fan support, and a winning tradition that inspires both players and coaches to strive for greatness. St. Ambrose men’s volleyball is more than just a team; it is a symbol of pride, community, and the pursuit of excellence.
As the program looks to the future, it is poised to continue its legacy of success. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and unwavering support from the St. Ambrose community, the Fighting Bees are well-equipped to achieve even greater heights. The future of St. Ambrose men’s volleyball is bright, and the program’s impact on the sport will undoubtedly continue for years to come.
