NDSU

Zaundra Bina believes hard work leads to success. The North Dakota State volleyball coach’s own career is a perfect example that proves the concept is true.

NDSU put together back-to-back region and conference championships in 1998 and 1999 for the first time since 1991-1992. The Bison made back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight, placing second in 1998. In 2001, NDSU became only the second league team to go through the double round-robin schedule with one loss.

"The thing I most enjoy about coaching is working with self-motivated and talented young women who have goals in terms of athletics and career," said Bina, who directed the Bison to Division II playoff berths in each of her nine years at the university. "It’s just an enjoyable profession to be around young people who are striving for a common goal. I love coaching at NDSU."

During her 16-year collegiate coaching career, including five years at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., Bina has compiled a 390-173 mark and a winning percentage of .693. At NDSU, her teams have a 257-119 record and a .684 winning percentage.

She calls herself a highly competitive person, a trait she looks for in her players. "The athletes we’re attracted to, and maybe are attracted to NDSU, are the ones who enjoy working hard to meet team and personal goals," the 1998 Tachikara/AVCA Division II Coach of the Year said. "We find the players we’ve brought in from this region are incredibly hard working and it’s enjoyable to be around young people like that. You can make a lot of progress when you have that kind of work ethic."

Bina was a two-time NCC All-Academic selection during her playing days at NDSU and she emphasizes hard work in the classroom as well as on the volleyball court. Seven of her Bison teams, along with her 1993 Augustana squad, received the AVCA Team Academic Award.

"We’ve been fortunate to attract good students who are motivated to major in a field they love, graduate and go out to have a nice career," Bina said.

"The players know they have to organize their time well and their studies are incredibly important. We tell them that after four years, we want them to have a good solid base from which to move on."

Bina earned her master's degree in education and bachelor’s degree in business administration from NDSU.

After serving as an assistant coach at Fargo Shanley High School for two years, she directed the 1988 Fargo North High School squad to a 31-2 record and the North Dakota Class A state championship.

Bina knows a lot about winning. She sees dedication and commitment as critical ingredients to achievement. Fun becomes an important by-product of success.

"One of the biggest keys is that the group comes together. I really believe that every person on our roster has a significant contribution that they are going to give for us to be a championship-level team," Bina said.

"We’re always striving to be the very best. But if you can’t have fun along the way, it doesn’t seem right. It is a game and hopefully competing, working hard, and being part of Bison volleyball is a fun experience."

*Division I independent tournament