Crank Accepts Position at SEMO, Moser Named Head Coach

QUINCY, Ill. – Quincy University vice president for intercollegiate athletics Marty Bell announced Friday (May 19) that Bob Crank was stepping down as head women's volleyball coach to accept the top assistant coaching position at Southeast Missouri State. Bell has elevated graduate assistant coach Abby Moser to head coach.

"I want to thank Bob for his years of service to the athletic department and University," Bell said. "His hard work and dedication has elevated our women's volleyball program to a new level of success. SEMO is a great opportunity for his professional growth and development and we wish him much success on his new endeavor."

Crank spent four seasons as the head coach of the QU women's volleyball program. The Hawks improved their win totals in each season with Crank at the helm, culminating with a 16-15 record in 2016 and the program's first appearance in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament since 2011.

Crank coached two All-GLVC players last season, including senior middle Emily Lindemulder (Homer Glen, Ill./Chicago Christian) and junior libero Rachel Shores (Huntley, Ill.). The Hawks also won the GLVC's James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award for volleyball.

"It was a difficult decision to leave a program that is still on the rise, especially with most of the starting lineup returning," Crank said. "I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work in an athletic department filled with some amazing people. It's been a true blessing to have been a part of this staff.

"I also owe Marty Bell a great deal of gratitude for trusting and supporting me throughout my time at QU. He has been a great friend and mentor," Crank said.

Crank also served as the interim head coach for the men's volleyball program for the final 14 matches of the 2017 season.

Moser takes over the women's volleyball program after spending the last two seasons as the graduate assistant, helping guide the Hawks into the upper half of the GLVC.

"I am very excited to lead the women's volleyball program at Quincy University," Moser said. "I am beyond grateful for all Coach Crank has done preparing me for this role as his assistant for the last two years. I could not have asked for a better mentor during this time. I also want to thank Coach Bell for instilling his trust in me to coach this program."

Moser came to Quincy after a stellar career as a libero at fellow GLVC program Truman State where she earned conference Libero of the Year honors and made the all-region team. The Wildwood, Mo. native is Truman's all-time leader in digs (2,416) and digs per set. The Bulldogs won the GLVC Tournament championship during Moser's senior season.

"Abby has been an integral part of the recent growth and success of our women's volleyball program," Bell said. "She played a significant role in creating the winning culture, and in order to sustain that culture, continuity is essential. Abby is prepared for this challenge and I am excited about the future of the program under her leadership."

"I'm excited Abby will be able to pick up where we left off and I know this program will continue to improve under her leadership," Crank said. "Abby has been instrumental in this program's growing success over the last two years and I couldn't think of a better person to hand this program to."

Moser will now coach a team that returns six of its seven starters, including Shores, who was named to the All-GLVC second team as a libero. Under Moser's guidance, Shores achieved two of the four highest single-season dig totals in program history.

"I want to continue building on the recent success this program has built over the last four years," Moser said. "We have become a highly-competitive program that competes for conference championships and it is my goal to take this team to compete on the national level. I am eager to continue to provide a great experience for our student-athletes at Quincy University."

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Players Mentioned

#23 Emily Lindemulder: MB; 6' 0"; Senior; Ultimate

#21 Rachel Shores: L; 5' 5"; Junior; Club Fusion

Players Mentioned

#23 Emily Lindemulder
: 6' 0"; Senior; Ultimate
: MB

#21 Rachel Shores
: 5' 5"; Junior; Club Fusion
: L

Players Mentioned

#23 Emily Lindemulder

#21 Rachel Shores

Players Mentioned

#23 Emily Lindemulder

#21 Rachel Shores