Written by Nic Fraraccio // Photo by Macy Cox
A married couple has continued to lead a Harding sports team to high levels of success and growth during their time at the University. Meredith and Robert Fear have coached the Lady Bisons volleyball team side-by-side since 2012. Before coming to Harding, the Fears coached two seasons at York University in Nebraska.
The Fears have built a strong coaching partnership over their 11 seasons leading the Lady Bisons. Robert Fear said the duo complement each other well when coaching the team.
“Each year our coaching is getting tighter and stronger,” Robert Fear said. “I feel like we flow off each other really well.”
Meredith Fear said she is proud of the way the couple has adapted and evolved throughout their coaching careers.
“Anytime there is change, there can be bumpy waters, so being able to roll with those punches and figuring out ourselves has not always been easy,” she said. “We have always seen that it is worth the work to get in the right direction.”
After the couple brought their coaching talents back to Searcy, the Lady Bisons pushed toward victory on the court. The Fears have led Harding to six Great American Conference regular season championships and three GAC tournament championships.
In addition to the success, the Fears have continued to focus on the growth of the women as players and Christians. Meredith Fear said the coaches want to help the players develop into better people on and off the court.
“We want to help them along their personal journey and their spiritual journey,” Meredith Fear said. “We work hard at helping and not harming. We try really hard to make sure it is our greatest measure of success.”
Robert Fear said he views the Fears’ positions as guides and enjoys watching the players develop during their time at Harding.
“I like seeing the growth process from start to finish,” Robert Fear said. “Seeing them when they first get here and where they end up, not just skills wise. I like seeing that growth.”
The coaching duo has provided a shining light in the Harding community for players, students and fans.
Harding alumna Chloe Ingersoll, who played for the Lady Bisons 2020-2023, said playing under the Fears was a unique experience because of the family culture they created for the team.
“Your first few years they may seem intimidating and like your boss, but as you grow through the program they start to become your closest friends and mentors,” Ingersoll said. “This dynamic creates such a special environment in which I felt equipped to flourish not just on the court but more importantly in life.”
As the fall season approaches, Meredith Fear said she would love to see the students and fans support the Lady Bisons throughout the 2024 season.
“It is a new era, but it is still Harding volleyball,” Meredith Fear said. “So you can expect it is going to be dynamic, it is going to be fun and it is going to be high-level.”
