Tara Stilwell

Tara Stilwell serves as head coach of the Ithaca College volleyball program, a position she assumed in May 2024 after being named the ninth head coach in the program's history. An alumna of the program, she previously held assistant coaching roles at both Ithaca College and Cornell University while also serving as an academic instructor during the 2022-23 academic year.

Her coaching leadership in 2024 guided the Bombers to their third consecutive Liberty League Championship and an NCAA Division III Championship Regional Final appearance, with a 24-7 record and three All-American student-athletes. As a player, she was a three-year starting libero who led Ithaca to three NCAA Tournament appearances including an Elite Eight and Final Four. Her academic instruction focused on sport psychology and leadership development through courses including Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology and Leadership and Team Building.

Stilwell's research and teaching interests span Sport Psychology, Exercise Science, and Leadership Development, with practical application in athletic performance enhancement and team dynamics. Her professional background integrates competitive volleyball expertise with academic instruction in psychological aspects of sports, emphasizing injury psychology and team cohesion strategies.