KUTZTOWN, Pa. -- John Gump, who has roamed the sideline for more than 61% of Kutztown University women's volleyball's all-time victories, announced Tuesday that the 2021 season will be his final one with the Maroon and Gold as he gets set to retire next summer.
 
A two-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Coach of the Year, Gump owns 610 wins between stops at Allentown College (now DeSales University) from 1988-95, Lehigh in 1996 and Kutztown since 1997. His next win with the Golden Bears will be his 400th at KU.
 
"I have been coaching for more than 60% of my life," said Gump. "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 on a high note with eight consecutive 20+ win seasons and four conference coach of the year awards at Allentown. When he arrived at Kutztown, that success followed. The Golden Bears went 20-10 in his first season, improved to 23-8 with a second-place finish in the PSAC East in year two and produced another 20-win campaign in 1999.
 
Over the course of his KU career, Gump has manufactured 10 seasons of 20 victories or more. 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. His players have been named PSAC East Player of the Year five times and the Rookie of the Year twice. Additionally, Gump has guided five players to 13 all-region honors in program history (six AVCA, seven Daktronics/D2CCA), including eight first team selections. He also had four players receive Academic All-District honors.
 
"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, 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."
 
"I will miss the daily interaction with my team," Gump added. "That's what has always made the early mornings and late nights worth it. I'm incredibly proud of the players I worked with and it's a source of great joy for me to continue to stay in contact with so many and see the great things they are doing with their families, through their work and in their communities. I have gained as much, if not more, from this experience as I have given. There have been incredible victories and crushing defeats. I have celebrated with my teams and I have cried with them, as well. I have been so fortunate over the course of my career to have so many wonderful people placed in my path. I can't begin to thank them all for the impact they have had on my life."
 
To date, Gump has compiled a 610-452 overall record (.574 winning percentage), including a mark of 399-339 (.541) at Kutztown. No coach in Golden Bear volleyball history has more wins or seasons coached than Gump.
 
"The coaching staff at Kutztown is a special group," Gump reflected. "It's been a privilege to work with and learn from so many smart and talented people over the course of the past 25 years. I look forward to being in the stands and watching them continue to excel in the years to come."