New volleyball head coach named at O'Neal

Jennah Rypkema—known to her athletes as Coach Ryp—is the new head coach of the Falcons’ varsity volleyball team.

Originally from Candor, New York, Rypkema brings both collegiate playing experience and a passion for developing young athletes. A three-sport athlete in high school, she continued her volleyball career at the NCAA Division II level—first as an outside hitter at The College of Saint Rose and later as a defensive specialist at Virginia State University.

Rypkema is eager to bring her energy, knowledge, and competitive spirit to the O’Neal volleyball program. “I am so excited to join the program here at O’Neal and switch roles on the court,” she shared in a media release from the school. “I am looking forward to helping build a great team and teaching young women the sport of volleyball!”

O’Neal is a part of the Sandhills Athletic Conference and was the recipient of its 10th Wells Fargo Cup in 2022-2023, recognizing O’Neal for having the top athletics program among Division II independent schools.

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Contributed article/photo.