Lana Rybkowski enters her third year at the helm in 2026. She was named the eighth head coach in Cardinal history by Director of Athletics John Lewandowski and began her duties on Monday, August 5, 2024.
In her second season in 2025, the team improved by two wins from 2024. Two Cardinals earned All-GLIAC honors with Rachel Townsend being named to the Second Team list and Marissa Roe earning All-GLIAC Honorable Mention.
In Rybkowski’s first season, the Cardinals had two All-GLIAC honorees. Sarah Veale earned her second All-GLIAC nod as a member of the second team. Sage Schumacher was listed as an honorable mention, her first All-GLIAC honor.
"Lana Rybkowski is one of the top assistant volleyball coaches in the country period," Lewandowski said. "Lana is well respected throughout the state and the entire Midwest. She is a relentless recruiter and tireless worker. After our initial phone conversation, Lana immediately became the top target in our search for a head coach."
Rybkowski joins the SVSU Athletics staff after seven years as an assistant coach with NCAA Division II Northwood University. The Timberwolves had their first winning season in four years in Rybkowski's first year with the team. She also helped them to a breakthrough season in the spring of 2021 as they went 9-6 overall and 8-4 in the GLIAC.
"I am thrilled to bring my coaching experience and passion for volleyball to Saginaw Valley State University," Rybkowski said. "I am committed to developing a competitive and cohesive team that excels both on the court and in the classroom. My goal is to foster an environment where student-athletes can thrive and achieve their full potential."
Before starting her coaching career, Rybkowski was a four-year standout for Northwood from 2004-07. She finished her collegiate career with 1,299 kills and 1,021 digs making her the sixth player in Timberwolves history with over 1,000 kills and digs. She earned First Team All-GLIAC honors in 2007 and ranked fourth in the conference in kills, second in aces, and third in points during her senior season.
After graduation, Rybkowski continued her playing career overseas as she competed professionally from 2009-14 in Europe. She spent three years in Clamart, France, and one year each in Menorca, Spain, and Stod, Norway, before wrapping up her playing career on the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) beach world tour from 2014-16.
"Her passion for coaching and the sport of volleyball is contagious," Lewandowski said. "Lana cares deeply for her student-athletes and pours her heart and soul into the program. She is eager to learn and lead.
"Lana is ready for this challenge and the future is indeed bright for the Cardinal volleyball program. She is a winner, and it won't take long for her to build a competitive program."
