William Penn University Head Men's Volleyball Coach, Luke Bentley Selected 2023-24 NAIA National Coach of Character Award Winner

Since he began the program in 2018, William Penn University men's volleyball coach Coach Luke Bentley has been developing a men's volleyball program that prioritizes excellence both on and off the court. For his efforts, he has been selected the 2023-24 NAIA National Coach of Character Award Winner.

The award recognizes a head coach who has been outstanding in embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character® initiative by deliberately teaching character to their student-athletes through sport. 

In alignment with the NAIA Champions of Character program, Coach Bentley embraces and promotes the NAIA's five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – in everything he does. On the team, this commitment is referred to as "wake." Just as a boat leaves a wake of ripples in its path, Coach Bentley encourages every player to make positive impacts with their actions, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Coach Bentley's "wake" philosophy has helped create a positive environment where players are held to the highest standard of conduct for themselves and their team.

Under Coach Bentley's guidance, the men's volleyball team has become nationally ranked, maintained above a 3.0 average GPA, and, most importantly, developed into character-driven individuals who positively impact their communities.

In 2024, the Statesmen advanced all the way to the NAIA National Championship semifinals for the first time in program history.