PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland – Since stepping into the role of assistant coach for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball program in 2018, Heather Feldman has undertaken every task head coach Trevor Callarman has thrown her way with ease. From efforts on the bench to aiding in the mental health of each student-athlete, the Eden, NY native has been a backbone of the Hawks.
 
With the 2022 season kicking off at the end of August – Callarman is giving Feldman a well-deserved nod for her hard work and dedication in building the Hawks, promoting her to Associate Head Coach as the players begin their arrival to campus.
 
"I'm glad to be part of this program and continue to see it grow into what I know it can become. To help out in whatever way that I can and continue to do so," Feldman said. "I want to try to make the experience as good as possible for the players so when they leave here after four years, they look back on it fondly and feeling fulfilled while also getting some wins."
 
Feldman has been a rock for the Hawks both on and off the court, becoming a coach that student-athletes know they can turn to whenever an issue arises. With a two person staff, Callarman and Feldman must wear multiple hats, working off the strengths of one another.
 
On game days and in practice, Feldman is responsible for the Hawks serving strategies, setters and defensive schemes. In her first year at the Shore, Feldman led the team to the most aces (263) and aces per set (2.07) in the country.
 
"When she came here, she had some experience as a player but really she's learned how to coach and how to push the athletes as individuals and program forward," Callarman said. "She's become a really well-rounded coach."
 
While Feldman's impact can be seen in wins and statistics, it's the behind-the-scenes action that sets her apart from other coaches across the country. Callarman raves about Feldman's logistical sense, comparing her to a Big 10 Director of Volleyball Operations quality talent that has developed over the seasons.
 
Additionally, Feldman makes a huge difference for the Hawks outside of her normal obligations, being a figurehead in the department that student-athletes across the spectrum of Maryland Eastern Shore athletics can turn to about NCAA or university life – much of which she learned at her time at Gardner-Webb.
 
"The trust of the players, they reach out to me a lot with questions because they know if I don't have an answer I can find an answer," Feldman said.
 
Callarman even lends the success of the Hawk Volleyball camps to his new associate head coach – showing her versatility as a person and coach to all those that come in contact.
 
"Our camp for example, the first year our ratings were (about) a 3.8 out of five stars, ever since Heather has come on board, we've been like 4.9 out of five," Callarman said "That's the difference Heather brings to our program, she's really good about making sure the details are there, making sure the experience is positive."
 
Naming Feldman associate head coach relieves a bit of recruiting duty off of Callarman as well thanks to the additional faith the title brings. Feldman has seen the type of hard-working player that Callarman wants after years as his assistant, so he has complete trust in her seeking the right players for the program.
 
She's already made an impact in that area, bringing setter Romina Vacca over from Midland College (TX) as a JUCO transfer. Vacca, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, led her team with 5.16 assists per set in 2021, which will be vital with the Shore losing its top two leaders in assists from last season.
 
"There's just another level of trust that she's earned and with that comes just a little more responsibility," Callarman said. "It was me finding kids and bringing them into the program, now she's a little more in charge of that on her own – she's built this program up so she knows what we're looking for."
 
The Hawks are less than a month away from the start of the season, playing three games in the Bearcat Classic starting on August 26, the first coming against host Binghamton University on the opening night at 7 p.m. that Friday. A week later the Shore begins its home season, hosting the Henson Hawk Invitational with Manhattan and Hampton slated to attend.
 
Follow the action on Twitter via @ESHawksVBall.