KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Coach's corner is a weekly segment where fans get acquainted with Kutztown University head coaches. Our first coach in the spotlight is KU Volleyball's
John Gump.
Gump has been in charge of the program since 1997, entering his 24th season on campus this fall. He is the winningest coach in KU volleyball history, amassing an overall record of 393-330 (.544). Gump earned his 600th career victory during the 2019 season and holds an overall mark of 604-443 (.577) record in 33 seasons as a head coach, ranking 10th amongst active Division II coaches in career victories entering the 2020 season. Gump graduated from Syracuse University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.
What makes Kutztown University the destination to be a coach? "The staff. It's an incredible group of people who care about the student-athletes they coach."
Favorite place on campus and/or in town? "Favorite place on campus is the rotunda of the Graduate Center. Favorite place in town is either the official porch of KUVB or my backyard pond."
Why did you get into coaching? "My high school coach was hired to be the head coach at Allentown College (now DeSales University), and asked me to be his assistant. He stepped down after a year and I was given the job."
Favorite memory as a coach and athlete? "Far too many as a coach to pick one. My athletic career was mediocre, at best, although I do still have the Punt, Pass and Kick trophy I won when I was 11 in my dining room."
What are any gameday rituals? "I don't think I really have any. I do fist bump our scorekeeper, Zoe Zerman, when I turn in the lineup at home."
Favorite professional team and/or player? "Team is the Philadelphia Eagles. Player would be Chase Utley."
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? "Probably working somewhere in the media."
Favorite thing(s) to do outside of coaching? "I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking barbeque and walking our dog, Graham."
Any sports heroes growing up? "This one is obscure, but Jack Ferrante. He played on the Eagles teams that won NFL championships in 1948 and 1949. He had a house across the street from our family's house in Ocean City, NJ. When a former Eagle, wearing a championship ring, sits down with you and helps you understand your junior high playbook, that guy is larger than life."
Favorite movie and tv show? "Movie is The Untouchables. Current TV show is the Goldbergs. All-time TV show would be The West Wing."
What advice would you give prospective collegiate student-athletes? "Coaches have a pretty good idea if you can play early on. If we're coming back to watch you multiple times, we're looking at the little things, and many of them having nothing to do with athletic performance."
Any inspirational quotes you've heard that stays with you? "The drops of rain make a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling." - Lucretius