Story by UMC Athletics
The University of Minnesota Crookston volleyball program and Head Coach Nick Meseck have announced the hiring of former Golden Eagle Volleyball player Mara Weisensel as assistant coach. 
Meseck coached Weisensel as both an assistant coach and a head coach.
As a junior in 2022, Weisensel finished with a career-high in several categories, including kills, kills per set, total attacks, and points, and started in 28 matches. Weisensel also holds the record for most kills in a match by a middle blocker with 20 kills on 47 total attacks against the University of Mary.
In her Golden Eagle career, Weisensel had over 500 kills, 632.5 points, and 136 total blocks as a middle blocker. She also had an attacking percentage of .229 in almost 1,400 attacks.
“I couldn’t be more thankful to have Mara Weisensel join the coaching staff. The search process was extensive, and we evaluated many qualified candidates,” mentions Meseck. “I am confident that she will help grow our team with her knowledge, personality, and strong work ethic.”
Meseck is also thrilled about the type of person and culture-builder Weisensel is. “Mara is a great person and has already had a significant impact on our program by leading the team for the last four years. Mara moving into a coaching role will be a natural transition with her experience within the NSIC, our team, and our athletic department. Our Golden Eagle family is excited to continue this journey! Wings up!”
Weisensel received her Bachelor of Science degree in management and marketing from the University of Minnesota Crookston in 2024. She graduated from UMC with high distinction. Weisensel earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors as a senior and was an NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction recipient for Minnesota Crookston. During her time at Minnesota Crookston, she also served as an undergraduate intern for the athletic department, assisting with the team’s social media and photo efforts. She helped launch the program’s TikTok page during the spring semester of 2024. She is married to former Golden Eagle baseball player Jakob Wiirre. They reside in Crookston.
