MND is proud to announce the appointment of Dani Szczepanski ’16 as the next Varsity Head Coach of its volleyball program, continuing a tradition of excellence that has defined MND athletics for decades.
Szczepanski brings a wealth of coaching experience and a proven track record of success to the role. A member of the MND coaching staff since 2020, she has served as a varsity assistant coach, helping lead the Cougars to a State Championship in 2020 and Final Four appearances in 2021 and 2025.
During her tenure at MND, Szczepanski has played an integral role in developing elite student-athletes, including multiple AVCA All-Americans. Her commitment to player development and preparing student-athletes for collegiate success has been a hallmark of her coaching career.
A standout student-athlete herself, Szczepanski is a three-time Ohio Division I State Champion at Mount Notre Dame. She earned All-Ohio First Team honors twice, was named GGCL Player of the Year and District Player of the Year and received All-American Honorable Mention recognition during her high school career. Principal Karen Day states, “It is truly incredible to witness Coach Szczepanski’s journey – from her time as a student-athlete at Mount Notre Dame, through her collegiate career, to her roles as an MND Volleyball Assistant Coach, and now as our Varsity Volleyball and Program Head Coach. Our volleyball student-athletes will benefit not only from top-tier instruction, but also from the example of an empowered woman leading with poise and determination. The impact of an MND education is powerful, and we are excited to see that influence come to life within our volleyball program this season.”
She continued her playing career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she was a four-year contributor and one of the program’s top middle blockers. Szczepanski earned All-Southern Conference honors and was named to multiple all-tournament teams. She finished her collegiate career with 900 kills and ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in attack percentage, total blocks, and service aces.
In addition to her work at MND, Szczepanski brings extensive club coaching experience. Since 2020, she has coached top Open-level teams with Elevation Volleyball Club and previously coached with A5 Chattanooga, one of the nation’s premier club volleyball organizations. She has also worked alongside respected coach Nancy Mueller at camps across Tennessee.
MND’s Athletic Director, Mark Schenkel shares, “I am very excited to see Dani get the opportunity to be the next head volleyball coach at Mount Notre Dame. She has worked extremely hard the past several years as an assistant coach in our program. Dani’s knowledge of the game is impressive and as a former MND player and coach she understands the history and culture of the MND volleyball program.”
Szczepanski holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Xavier University.
Szczepanski expresses, “I am so grateful and excited to be taking on this new role in the volleyball program! I’m especially thankful to the athletic directors and the school administration for trusting me to lead this program. Mount Notre Dame is truly like home. This program and its culture is unlike any other and I’m extremely blessed I get to be a small part of its continued success!”
Mount Notre Dame’s volleyball program is one of the most accomplished in the state, with 10 State Championships, 17 Regional Championships, and seven GGCL titles since 2005.
About Mount Notre Dame High School
Mount Notre Dame is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school for young women founded in 1860 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. MND educates young women from more than 65 zip codes, representing over 100 different grade schools, and maintains an average enrollment of approximately 600 students. Rooted in a strong tradition of educational excellence, Mount Notre Dame is committed to empowering young women to learn, live, lead, and serve.