West Alabama reached out to one of its own to take over the reins of its volleyball program. Hilary Lobenstein was named as the Tigers head coach on Feb. 26, 2019 by Athletic Director Bobby Wallace.
Lobenstein replaced Alexis Meeks, who resigned to accept the head coaching position at the University of South Alabama.
In her first season at the helm, the Tigers turned in a 10-22 record overall and 4-12 mark in the Gulf South Conference for a ninth place finish just shy of a postseason berth. During the season, senior Taylor Donato recorded a program record 30 kills in a match under the direction of Lobenstein’s system.Â
From Deerfield, Wisconsin, Lobenstein has been the assistant volleyball coach at Xavier (La.) University for the last five seasons. She helped guide the Gold Nuggets to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, qualifying for the NAIA National Championship every season.
Xavier was 104-41 overall, 62-2 in the GCAC during Lobenstein’s tenure. The 2018 Gold Nuggets were 26-7 overall, 14-0 in conference play while winning another conference title.
Lobenstein began her playing career at South Alabama before transferring to UWA. She helped UWA go 51-19 in her two seasons as a player, including winning a Gulf South Conference East Division championship.
Lobenstein served as an intern in the Tiger Athletic Department, as well as a graduate assistant volleyball coach in 2012 and 2013.
She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Alabama in 2012 and 2014, respectively.
