Harrogate, TN – Lincoln Memorial University Women's Volleyball Coach John Cash has announced his resignation on Wednesday to pursue different career opportunities. Cash will leave LMU after eight seasons on the sidelines at Mary Mars Gym, the last two as head coach of the women's volleyball team.
"I would like to extend my gratitude to Lincoln Memorial University and the entire Harrogate community for the warm welcome, support, and opportunity. Coming to a remote area to build something big is always a challenge and I appreciate everyone's help involved. A program is more than a coach and players, it is an investment by the community" said Cash.
"Thank you to the faculty, staff, and students at Lincoln Memorial University. You helped grow our brand of volleyball into something very special, and we appreciate you for that! The goal was to bring quality, highly competitive volleyball to the area. That has been established and will continue to grow. Special thanks to all the student athletes in both volleyball programs for all the hard work and sacrifice. It did not go unnoticed! Praise to all the Assistants, GA's, volunteers, and support staff to the program. We couldn't have done it without you!
I am excited for the next adventure with my daughters. Family is everything at the end of the day, and I have sacrificed enough time away from them during my long coaching career. Coaching by their side is a dream come true! Finally, I will leave you with this: If you invest in people, they feel valued, wanted, and a part of something special. It becomes contagious. I will always believe that! Continue to uplift one another and invest in the student athletes and students at large."
Cash spent the last two seasons coaching the women's volleyball team. His first season in 2024 saw the Lady Railsplitters pick up 17 wins, their most since the 2018 season and return to the South Atlantic Conference tournament for the first time since 2019. During the '24 season, he also coached the first American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American in program history with Kristen Moehring. During two seasons, he had three named to the All-SAC teams, one named to the AVCA D2 Southeast Regional team, and two named to the CSC Academic All-District Team.
Cash came to Harrogate before the start of the 2018 men's volleyball season to become the second coach in men's volleyball history. His first season set the groundwork for future record-breaking seasons. He led the Railsplitters to a 100-43 record in six seasons highlighted by back-to-back 20 plus win seasons in 2022 and 2023. He is still the all-time winningest coach in LMU Men's Volleyball history.
During his time with the men's program, they won five consecutive Independent Volleyball Association (IVA) tournament championships. He was also named IVA Coach of the Year multiple times. In six seasons, the Railsplitters went 57-3 at home and had a home winning streak that lasted 26 matches. They also achieved their first national ranking in program history in 2022, which was also the first time an independent program was ranked in the AVCA. He coached seven All-Americans and had student athletes represent the USA in beach volleyball and go on to play professionally.
A national search for the next Lincoln Memorial coach is currently underway.
