Pull Back the Plaid Curtain on Head Volleyball Coach Anne Bock

Get to know head volleyball coach Anne Bock in this addition of "Pull Back the Plaid Curtain!"

1. What drew you to being a coach – why the path to intercollegiate athletics?

I grew up around Division III volleyball (my dad was a coach) and always knew if I was going to coach it was going to be Division III. These women give so much and work so hard solely for the love of the game, the love of their team and the desire to win. I’m truly at home in a gym and would really not want to be anywhere else (maybe on a golf course with my wife).

2. What is your favorite memory during your time at Carnegie Mellon?

There are lots, but beating WashU in 2013 for 3rd place at UAAs was pretty amazing. WashU is a volleyball legend and it had been 12 years since Carnegie Mellon had beat them and only the second time in program history. Those kids were so happy - it was just a ton of fun.

3. Who has been the most influential person in your career?

Larry Bock, my college coach and dad. He is a true master. He knows how to win. He knows how to recruit. He knows how to train. But, more importantly, he never lost sight of what truly mattered: his players. He always put their health and well-being first. He taught me lessons that I continue to practice in my personal life and professional life: “Make love a verb,” “Always keep a commitment,” and “Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

4. What was sports like while you were growing up – how do you think it’s changed?

Growing up there were so few opportunities for girls and all I wanted to do was play sports. The boys had little league, wrestling, and football and I think all the girls had was dance and gymnastics (not activities conducive to my level of inflexibility or ungainliness). Now, girls have the opportunity to try so many different activities at very early ages. It’s quite a change.

5. What is the most memorable athletic event you have witnessed / been a part of outside of Carnegie Mellon Athletics?

My in-laws are diehard Bengals fans and I was at the 2016 Steelers-Bengals Wildcard game where the Bengals had it locked up until there was a bad fumble and a stupid penalty that eventually led to an 18-16 win for the Steelers. I’ve never seen such a huge swing of emotion for fans, from absolutely elated (the Bengals hadn’t won a playoff game in 25 years) to complete devastation and fury. Watch

6. What is one thing that no one knows about you?

Did you know that my ancestors are from the same village in Scotland as steel tycoon, Andrew Carnegie?

For other department member responses, visit Pull Back the Plaid Curtain.