Maribeth Kern, a three-time competitor on the AVP Pro Beach Tour, was named assistant coach of the nationally-ranked FGCU women's beach volleyball program in June 2022.
 
"We are very excited to bring Maribeth to our program. From the moment you meet her, you can see how passionate and excited she is about life and beach volleyball," said head coach Chris Sweat. "Her mix of athletic ability and fire for the game will be a great combo with the competitive student-athletes we have at FGCU. She still plays a lot herself, so I am looking forward to implementing new strategies and drills that she brings to the table with the team. Her demeanor off the court will help continue to build the culture that we are looking for at FGCU." 
 
Kern competed on the AVP Pro Beach Tour in 2018, 2019, and 2021, while also playing on the 2018 Volleyball World Beach Tour as well.
 
She joins the Eagles after having served as an assistant coach with Tampa during their run to the 2021 national championship title. She has also been a member of the VA Sand Volleyball Club coaching staff as an assistant director for the past three years.
 
She played indoor volleyball at Liberty in 2014 after beginning her career at King University in Bristol, Tennessee, the previous two years. As a sophomore, she was named to the All-Conference Carolinas Third Team after posting 268 kills. After her indoor season as a junior, she played for the Liberty club beach volleyball program as a senior. She took second in the 2017 National Collegiate Sand Volleyball Association Championship alongside Sallie Robertson.
 
Originally from Buchanan, Va., Kern was a two-time All-Virginia First Team honoree in 2010 and 2011.

She earned her bachelor's degree in global studies from Liberty in 2017 and is currently on track to finish her MBA from Liberty as well.

Last updated 6/13/22