NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Norwich University Director of Athletics Ed Hockenbury announced the hiring of Amy Youmell as the next head coach of the Norwich University women's volleyball program.

Youmell arrives in Northfield with a diverse coaching background that spans the collegiate and high school ranks, along with extensive volleyball education and development experience. She succeeds Karin Parkhurst '96, who led the program for the past two seasons.

"In announcing the exciting news about the hire of Amy Youmell as the next Head Coach of Women's Volleyball, I want to first thank Karin Parkhurst '96 for her effort, dedication, and contributions to our volleyball program," said Hockenbury. "I'm confident Amy will follow in her footsteps in leading the team with energy and passion while supporting our student-athletes as volleyball players, students, and in their military pursuits."

Youmell's coaching career includes NCAA Division III and Division II experience, as well as leadership positions at the high school level. She also holds both USA Volleyball CAP I and CAP II certifications, reflecting her commitment to coaching education and athlete development.

Her collegiate coaching journey began at the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2021, where she served as an assistant coach for the Beacons. During her tenure, UMass Boston captured its 10th Little East Conference championship and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Youmell played an integral role in the program's success, assisting with practice planning, scouting opponents, player development, and directing the team's physical conditioning programs.

"Amy brings a wealth of volleyball knowledge and has proven herself as a coach, mentor, and role model in both volleyball and track & field," Hockenbury added. "She impressed us in the interview process with her thorough preparation and research, along with her recognition of all that makes Norwich a special place."

Following her success at UMass Boston, Youmell earned her first collegiate head coaching opportunity at Assumption University, taking over the Greyhounds' Division II program for the 2022 season. The experience provided her with a valuable leadership opportunity while overseeing all aspects of a collegiate volleyball program.

She later continued her coaching career at Greenfield High School, serving as both the head women's volleyball coach and head track and field coach. In those dual roles, Youmell further developed her reputation for emphasizing athlete development, physical conditioning, and building successful team cultures.

For Youmell, the opportunity to lead the Norwich program represents an exciting next step in her coaching career.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Norwich University Women's Volleyball program," said Youmell. "This is an exciting new chapter, and I am honored to join the Norwich community."

Throughout the search process, Youmell's vision for the future of the program and understanding of Norwich's unique mission stood out to the athletic department.

"She has excellent recruiting connections and demonstrated a commitment to expanding our roster and improving our team's competitive success," said Hockenbury. "Amy will be a great fit in our department, and I'm eager to see where she leads our program."

As she prepares for her first season with the Cadets, Youmell is focused on building relationships and creating an environment that supports student-athletes both on and off the court.

"I look forward to building relationships with our student-athletes and supporting their growth as competitors, students, and leaders," Youmell said. "Together, we will work to create a positive and challenging environment where our team can continue to develop and proudly represent Norwich University on and off the court."

Youmell takes over a Norwich program looking to build momentum heading into the 2026 season. The Cadets will begin their campaign at the Vermont Volleyball Classic, hosted by Vermont State University Castleton, on Aug. 29.

With a proven track record of developing student-athletes, championship-level experience, and a passion for fostering success in all areas of student life, Youmell begins her tenure poised to guide Norwich Women's Volleyball into its next chapter.