Mondillo Introduces Wood as University's Head Men's and Women's Volleyball Coach
Gwynedd Mercy University Director of Athletics Keith Mondillo is pleased to welcome Amber Wood as the newest member of the Griffin pride. Wood – formerly the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Bryn Athyn College – is the University’s first fulltime head volleyball coach, “That’s right, Head Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Coach!” Mondillo continued, “We recently announce the addition of men’s volleyball as our 18th program to our Athletics catalog and I am overjoyed to introduce Amber Wood, who will be overseeing both of our volleyball programs for years to come. It was evident throughout the interview process that she has not only a strong understanding of the sport, but the voice and ability to lead both these programs in the right direction.”
Continuing the “groundbreaking” experienced in Gwynedd Mercy University Athletics over the past few years - and most recently with the renovations to the Griffin Complex – Director of Athletics Keith Mondillo is pleased to announce the addition of men’s volleyball as the University’s 18th intercollegiate athletics program, “We’re thrilled to announce the addition of men’s volleyball as the 18th varsity sport here at Gwynedd Mercy University. This expansion reflects our continued commitment to providing meaningful athletic opportunities for student-athletes.” He continued, “Men’s Volleyball is a growing and competitive sport; it aligns perfectly with our mission to develop well-rounded individuals through sport, scholarship, and service. We look forward to building a program that contributes to the rich tradition of Griffin Athletics.” Gwynedd Mercy University Athletics retired the men’s and women’s tennis programs following the 2022 seasons and last added a sport program in 2009 when men’s lacrosse joined the Griffin catalog.
The newly established men’s volleyball program will begin its existence as an independent as Gwynedd Mercy University’s current constituency – the Atlantic East Conference (AEC) – does not offer the sport. Fellow AEC members currently offering men’s volleyball include Immaculata University (Est. 2019, independent), Marymount University (2014, Continental Volleyball Conference), Neumann University (2018, United East) – leaving the AEC in 2026-2027, Pratt Institute (2014, United East), and the league’s most recent addition, St. Elizabeth University (2018, United East).
"I am incredibly excited and honored to step into the role of head coach for both the men's and women's programs at Gwynedd Mercy (University),” opened Coach Wood. “Being full-time allows me to fully immerse myself in the growth of both programs; I can be present on the court and on the recruiting trail. I'm committed to building a positive, competitive culture, and I look forward to leading these programs for years to come.” Wood most recently served as head coach for her alma mater at Bryn Athyn College (2022-2024). There, she directed the Lion women’s volleyball program a 2023 United East Conference Championship Tournament appearance and coached 2022 freshman Sabrina Brock (Huntingdon Valley, Pa.) to All-Colonial States Athletics Conference (CSAC) Second Team honors. Coach Wood’s coaching philosophy focuses on creating a positive and energetic environment, where student-athletes feel valued both as athletes and individuals.
As a four-year member of the Lion women’s volleyball program, she totaled 436.5 points (326 kills, 76 aces, 47 blocks), 288 assists, and 291 digs. Her collegiate career was primarily played as a middle hitter, expect for a junior season (2017) that saw her transition to the setter role with great success; 64 sets played, 20 matches played, 20 matches started, 63.5 points (29 kills, 30 aces, 3 solo blocks, 3 block assists), 257 assists, and 129 digs. She earned Dean's List recognition every term and was a regular on the CSAC All-Academic Team.
Coach Wood has also held head coaching positions with TNT Volleyball Club (2022–present), her high school alma mater William Tennent (2020-2022), and Delta Volleyball Club (2014-2019). She earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and special education from Bryn Athyn College in 2019.