ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University athletic department is thrilled to announce the hiring of Zach Rothstein as its new head women's volleyball coach. Coach Rothstein joins the Regents following multiple successful coaching stints and a highly decorated playing career at the NCAA Division III level. He brings a plethora of knowledge and experience in both playing and coaching in the NCAA Division III Tournament to the RU volleyball program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Zach Rothstein to the Regent Athletic family," Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan stated. "Zach's coaching and playing success at the NCAA Division III level, and him helping lead two different Division III schools to their first-ever national tournament appearances was very attractive to us. He is the kind of passionate coach we want to join our department."

"I would like to express my gratitude to the athletic department here at Rockford University for selecting me as the next head coach for the women's volleyball program," Coach Rothstein stated. "I am honored by the opportunity and excited to continue building a strong culture that promotes success both as students and athletes. I would also like to thank Pat Robidoux and the entire OCB community for their support throughout this journey. They have made a tremendous impact on my life both on and off the court."

Coach Rothstein spent his last two seasons before coming to Rockford as an assistant coach at Centre College. The Colonels posted a .729 overall winning percentage and an .885 winning percentage in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) during Rothstein's tenure. Over the two years, Rothstein coached 9 all-conference players, 3 SAA Players of the Year, 2 all-region performers, an All-American and an academic all-district recipient. In 2024, Centre won its first ever SAA regular season title and earned the program's first berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Rothstein was also an assistant coach for one year at his alma mater, Fontbonne University. Rothstein was involved in all facets of the program during his time at Fontbonne including: recruiting, meeting with players/prospects, and determining strengths and weaknesses to construct goals for the players and program. The Griffins had their best season in four years and finished second in the SLIAC with Rothstein on staff. 

Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Rothstein played five years on the men's volleyball team at Fontbonne University. Rothstein was a four-time Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League (MCVL) all-conference selection and was twice voted as the MCLV Defensive Player of the Year. Throughout his career, Rothstein played in 120 matches and 411 sets as the team's libero, where he amassed an NCAA Division III record 1,327 digs and 3.23 digs per set (fifth best in NCAA DIII history). In 2018, Rothstein led all NCAA Division III men's volleyball players averaging 3.64 digs per set. As a team, the Griffins won a pair MCVL Tournament titles, a MCVL regular season championship and earned two berths in the NCAA Division III Tournament.