In June of 2025, it was announced that Franciscan was adding Men's Volleyball which will start in the 2027 season. Coach Hickey was then named Head Men's & Women's Volleyball Coach.
The 2024 season was Coach Hickey's first at the helm of the women's Volleyball Team
The Barons secured their second-consecutive winning season with a 13-11 record in 2024. They had 16 games on the road or at a a neutral site this season, as they battled and held an above .500 record in those matchups. Sara Moore and Mary Jean Cadman earned Honorable Mention All-PAC honors for their strong play on the court.Â
"I am thrilled to welcome Jen Hickey home to Franciscan to lead our Women's Volleyball program to the next level," said Director of Athletics Danny Andersen. "Not only does she bring an impressive record of leadership, competitive success, and passion for the sport over nearly 20 years of coaching, but as a Franciscan alum who has remained close to the university since graduation, she is intimately familiar with and committed to the culture that we are building in the Athletic Department. Jen's talent, skill, and initiative will add tremendous value as we form disciples, develop leaders, and pursue excellence in our program."
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I am so excited and honored to be named Head Coach of the Franciscan Women's Volleyball. Having graduated from Franciscan University, I have a unique understanding that we are a part of something special here. This gives me a leadership opportunity to help inspire and motivate these student athletes both on and off the court. Through coaching, I hope to help them develop their skills, confidence, teamwork abilities, and sportsmanship all while we grow together in our faith life. After my faith and my family, volleyball has been a passion of mine. Being named head coach allows me to pursue this passion in a meaningful way. I have the opportunity to immerse myself in the sport I love while also sharing this knowledge and enthusiasm with these amazing athletes. We will embrace and promote the ideas put before us by the university, encountering Christ, sharing community through the fellowship and friendship of what it means to be a team and always striving to be better through constant conversion.
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Hickey '96 graduated from Franciscan with a degree in Elementary Education. She has been coaching volleyball for the last 20 years at the grade school and club levels in northern Ohio. Most recently, she has coached with the Southwest Volleyball Club. There she was a Head Coach since 2019. Before her time in club coaching, she coached at St. Brendan Catholic School in North Olmsted, Ohio. Hickey also coached the Franciscan club team in the late 90s before they transitioned into an NCAA program.Â
She met her husband Bob Hickey at Franciscan and they have eight children, including two graduates of Franciscan, two current Franciscan students, two fall 2024 incoming freshman, and two who will attend in the near future.
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Year by Year Results at Franciscan
| Year |
Record |
Pct. |
PAC |
PAC Tournament |
NCAA Tournament |
| 2024 |
13-11 |
.542 |
3-7 / 8th |
|
|
| Totals |
13-11 |
.542 |
3-7 |
|
|
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