Mary Baldwin University named Robert Kocher as the new women's volleyball head coach, according to Director of Athletics Tom Byrnes. 

Kocher, who earned his bachelor's (2013) and master's (2017) degrees in Sport Management at California University of Pa., takes over a Fighting Squirrels program that posted a 7-23 overall record in 2025, the team's highest win total since 2007.

He brings seven years of collegiate and scholastic head women's volleyball coaching experience to MBU, including the last six years at the Carmel School in Ruther's Glen, Va.  Prior to the Carmel School, Kocher was a head coach at Penn State Scranton University for one season.

"Robert Kocher has a combination of coaching, recruiting and administrative experience that Mary Baldwin was looking for in its new coach," Byrnes said.  "We hope he'll build on the base of good players we have in the program with some talented recruits and continue the process of building a successful program on and off the court."

At the Carmel School, where he was also the Assistant Athletic Director for four years and then the acting Athletic Director the past two years, Kocher built a competitive program with four consecutive VISAA state playoff appearances (2021–2025) and two Final Four finishes.

Developing players' skills, fostering teamwork, and upholding the academic and athletic excellence of the volleyball program and the athletic department were among his primary goals and accomplishments.

In his season at Penn State Scranton, Kocher directed all aspects of a collegiate volleyball program, including recruiting, budgeting, and player development. He promoted a culture of discipline, sportsmanship, and academic achievement for the Lions.

Kocher also gained administrative experience through internships at Bloomsburg (Pa.) University and East Lycoming School District in Hughesville, Pa.