Written by Nic Fraraccio \/\/ Photo by Macy Cox<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEach year our coaching is getting tighter and stronger,\u201d Robert Fear said. \u201cI feel like we flow off each other really well.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meredith Fear said she is proud of the way the couple has adapted and evolved throughout their coaching careers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnytime 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,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have always seen that it is worth the work to get in the right direction.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to help them along their personal journey and their spiritual journey,\u201d Meredith Fear said. \u201cWe work hard at helping and not harming. We try really hard to make sure it is our greatest measure of success.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Fear said he views the Fears\u2019 positions as guides and enjoys watching the players develop during their time at Harding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI like seeing the growth process from start to finish,\u201d Robert Fear said. \u201cSeeing them when they first get here and where they end up, not just skills wise. I like seeing that growth.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The coaching duo has provided a shining light in the Harding community for players, students and fans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour 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,\u201d Ingersoll said. \u201cThis dynamic creates such a special environment in which I felt equipped to flourish not just on the court but more importantly in life.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is a new era, but it is still Harding volleyball,\u201d Meredith Fear said. \u201cSo you can expect it is going to be dynamic, it is going to be fun and it is going to be high-level.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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