Wildcats defeat DCB. Coach Passa Earns 700th Victory
Historic day for NDSCS Volleyball
WAHPETON, N.D. — October 15, 2024 — Jane Passa, head coach of the NDSCS volleyball team, has hit an incredible milestone—her 700th career win. Passa, who is in her 26th year as head coach, has built a Hall of Fame-worthy career, leading the Wildcats to many victories over the years.
With a coaching record of 700-261, Passa has had 23 straight winning seasons and 24 seasons with at least 20 wins. During her time at NDSCS, she's also had a 40-win season and four 30-win seasons. She holds a home-court record of 272-43 at Ed Werre Arena.
In 2023, Passa led her team to an impressive season as Region XIII Champions and Northwest Plains District Champions. They earned a spot in the National Tournament, where the Wildcats went 2-2, finishing the season with a 27-10 record.
Under Passa's leadership, the Wildcats have won 17 conference titles and 13 Region XIII championships. The team reached the National Tournament for the first time in 2001, where they finished as runners-up in the NJCAA Division II. Over the years, the Wildcats have consistently earned their place at the National Tournament, with appearances in 2001, 2007, 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Passa has been honored many times for her coaching success. She's been named Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year and Region XIII Coach of the Year 12 times each. She's also received district coaching awards in 2001, 2007, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Looking ahead, the Wildcats are aiming for another successful season in 2024, with hopes of winning the Region XIII championship and returning to the National Tournament.
Before coming to NDSCS, Passa coached at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where she helped the team finish as runners-up in the 1998 National Division II Collegiate Women's Volleyball Tournament. She also coached at Minnesota State University-Moorhead for two years. Passa holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and a master's degree from NDSU.
In addition to coaching, Passa is the Program Coordinator for the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department at NDSCS. She is also involved in volleyball outside of NDSCS, as she and her husband, Jayme, have two daughters who both played college volleyball.
Reflecting on her 700th win, Passa said, "I have experienced the power of tradition with NDSCS volleyball! With 700 victories, we celebrate the support from our administration, faculty, Catbackers, assistant coaches, and players who have embraced our legacy. I am forever grateful for this journey, and for the amazing people I've worked with. NDSCS isn't just a job; it's a calling that shapes who we are."
Be sure to support Wildcat Volleyball as they continue their 2024 season! You can find their schedule online at NDSCSwildcats.com.
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