Dave Shondell breaks Gene Keady's record as Purdue volleyball beats reigning national champions
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WEST LAFAYETTE — As Dave Shondell built Purdue volleyball into a consistent national contender, he also built an all-time legacy among all Boilermaker coaches.
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No. 14 Purdue's 3-0 victory over No. 12 Texas A&M, the reigning national champions, on the opening night of the Big Ten/SEC Challenge on Tuesday at Mackey Arena put Shondell in a tier of his own. The win was the 513th of Shondell's career, passing former basketball coach Gene Keady for most victories by any Purdue coach with Keady in attendance.
Shondell became Purdue volleyball's all-time wins leader with his 470th in 2024. He tied Keady for most wins in any sport last season when the Boilermakers beat SMU to reach their fifth Elite Eight in his tenure.
Shondell was presented the game ball and, after leading the team around Mackey to greet the remaining fans, libero Ryan McAleer and opposite hitter Grace Heaney hugged Shondell. The rest of the team followed, and the Boiler Block chanted "Dave!"
Shondell, a Muncie native, came to Purdue in 2003 after successful high school stints at Daleville and Muncie Central. His teams reached the Sweet 16 in 13 of his first 24 seasons and are 19-0 in first-round NCAA tournament matches. With Friday's victory, his career winning percentage rose to .681.
Purdue was not at full strength, as All-American outside hitter Kenna Wollard is not playing due to an unspecified medical condition.
Shondell, 68, in the winter signed a four-year contract to remain Purdue's volleyball coach.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Dave Shondell breaks Gene Keady's record as Purdue volleyball beats reigning national champions