Ness, who compiled 98 wins as Loras’ head volleyball coach from 2014-19, joined Cornell’s staff in March 2021.
Ness and her assistants were recognized as the 2019 American Rivers Conference Coaching Staff of the Year in her final season at Loras, when the Duhawks finished 19-9 overall and placed second in the A-R-C regular-season race. Ness was also assistant men’s volleyball coach at Loras.
Ness was tabbed 2015 Iowa Conference Coach of the Year, guiding Loras to a 22-13 record and a berth in the IIAC Tournament championship match. The Duhawks qualified for the conference tournament four times and landed 16 all-conference performers under Ness’ guidance.
A 2011 graduate of Luther College, Ness earned bachelor’s degrees in business management and exercise science. She competed in volleyball and track & field for the Norse. Ness helped Luther’s volleyball program qualify for its first-ever NCAA Division III Tournament in 2009, finishing the season at 26-12.
Due to an injury her senior volleyball season, Ness began her coaching career as a student assistant for the Norse. She became Luther’s interim head coach from January-May of 2011 and was recipient of the AVCA’s “Coaches 4 Coaches” Award.
Ness served as assistant men’s and women’s volleyball coach at St. Ambrose University during the 2011-12 season. The men’s squad went 33-3 and took runner-up at the 2012 NAIA National Tournament. Ness coached the NAIA Men’s National Player of the Year and two all-Americans. She led St. Ambrose’s women’s team to a Top 30 national ranking.
Ness spent the 2012-13 academic year at St. Mary’s (Minn.) University, performing roles as top assistant volleyball coach, recruiting coordinator, intramural director and SAAC representative.
Ness completed her master’s in organizational leadership from St. Ambrose in May 2013.
