Emma Smallcomb Named Endicott Women’s Volleyball Head Coach

BEVERLY, Mass. — Emma Smallcomb has been named the next head coach of the Endicott College women's volleyball program, as announced earlier today by Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Brian A. Wylie. 

"Throughout our search for a new head volleyball coach, Coach Emma Smallcomb was so impressive in every sense of running a program and the value and impact she will bring to our athletics department," said Wylie. "Her maturity, energy, and competitive drive, coupled with her plan to elevate our women's volleyball program, were made very clear. Moreover, her perspectives on player development and building a strong team culture mirror the same qualities we foster in our other programs. For a team that has already experienced historic success, I am excited to welcome Coach Smallcomb and her ability to inspire the very best from her student-athletes."

Smallcomb comes to Endicott from nearby Brandeis University, where she served as the Judges' first-ever full-time assistant coach for the past two seasons (2023-24).

During that span, Smallcomb developed and executed practice plans based on opponent matchups, implementing new offensive and defensive strategies within the program to help Brandeis secure its first winning campaign in 11 seasons (2024, 16-14). 

Smallcomb also played a pivotal role in Brandeis' player development and recruiting efforts, identified top prospects based on athletic performance and academic qualifications, and handled all aspects of team budget/travel. 

She inherits a program fresh off its fourth conference championship in the last five years, and 10th overall dating back to 2004.

"I want to thank Dr. Wylie and the search committee for entrusting me with the opportunity to work with such a talented group of student-athletes," said Smallcomb. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew Endicott was a place where I wanted to be. The energy, the culture, and the commitment to excellence in all aspects of the student-athlete experience were immediately clear. I'm beyond excited to get in the gym with the team and get to work!

The Westborough, Massachusetts, native is a double graduate of Sacred Heart University (SHU), where she earned her B.S. in sport management in 2022 and her MBA in 2023.

Smallcomb was a five-year starter at libero for the Pioneers (88-45, .662), taking advantage of her extra year of eligibility afforded to student-athletes affected by COVID-19. 

She was named a four-time team captain, helping SHU earn three Northeast Conference (NEC) titles and two berths in the NCAA Division I Tournament. The three-time All-NEC selection also set school records for digs in a season (544, 2022) and career digs (2,075). 

Smallcomb's additional accolades include winning Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2017-18, after leading Westborough to the Division 2 State Championship that fall, and a pair of American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Phenom Player awards (2015-16), among many other honors.

Outside of her coaching duties at Brandeis, Smallcomb has served as the Boston United Volleyball Club (Boston UVC) Girls Club Director, Recruiting Coordinator, and Camps Director since 2024.

She managed 27 competitive teams from the U15 to U18 levels and oversaw player development, coaching strategies, and team operations for all practices and tournaments.

Smallcomb recruited and hired coaches for 51 teams and onboarded numerous coaches to build a cohesive staff aligned with club objectives.

Along with those duties, Smallcomb has designed and implemented weekly practice plans and organized the club's annual "College Recruiting Night", which connects top athletes with New England college coaches to support their recruitment process. 

Smallcomb will officially start her tenure at Endicott on May 28, 2025.

(some information courtesy of Brandeis University) 

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