Press Releases

2005-06

Graceland’s Sarah Young and Lindsay Neal have been selected to the 2005 NAIA Women’s Volleyball All-America Honorable Mention Team.

Lindsay Neal, a senior from Pleasant Hill, Mo., was a first team all-region and first team all-conference player in 2005. She was a four-time conference setter of the week and a three-time region setter of the week. Neal was also selected to the John Brown Invitational all-tournament team.

Junior Sarah Young, from Fenton, Mo., was selected as the conference player of the week four times, three as a libero and once as an outside hitter. This all-conference and all-region first team player was the region libero of the week once this season. Early in the season Young was an all-tournament team member at the Graceland Pizza Shack Invitational.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team was the Heart of America Athletic Conference Post Season Tournament Champions in 2005. The ladies were 6-4 in the conference and 26-10 overall, just missing the region championship by one game.

The Graceland University women’s volleyball had a great run at the end of their season that ended in a regional semi-final loss to #9 Columbia College. With a final record of 30-10, (6-4 HAAC) they came one game shy of making to the 2005 national tournament. The women also won the Heart of America Athletic Conference post season tournament.

Five Yellowjackets were honored by the conference for their outstanding performances throughout the 2005 season and playoffs. First team all-conference nods went to senior setter Lindsay Neal (Pleasant Hill, Mo.) and junior outside hitter Sarah Young (Fenton, Mo.).

Two other Jackets were honored on the second team, including senior outside hitter Megan Ryan (New Sharon, Iowa) and sophomore middle hitter Jennifer Stone (Wichita, Kan.). Senior middle hitter Jodi Butler was named as an honorable mention for her 2005 play.

The Graceland University women's volleyball team will travel to Columbia, Mo. on Friday to face Columbia College in a Region V semi-final. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

The Graceland University women's volleyball team beat McKendree College 3-0 Tuesday night in Lamoni, Iowa in the first round of the Region V tournament. The Region V Tournament semifinals and finals will be held on November 18-19. Times and schedules will be released at a later date.

The Graceland women's volleyball team will host McKendree College Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Lamoni, Iowa.

Graceland (25-9) won the Heart of America Athletic Conference post-season tournament Saturday night with a five-game win over conference champion Lindenwood University to gain a bid to the Region V Tournament.

McKendree (23-15) tied for third in the American Midwest Conference this season. The Bearcats most recently lost 0-3 on Nov. 10 to Missouri Baptist University in the AMC Tournament semifinals.

The Region V Tournament semifinals and finals will be held on November 18-19. Times and schedules will be released at a later date.

The Graceland women's volleyball team beat Lindenwood University in five to win the Heart of America Athletic Conference post-season tournament Saturday night in St. Charles, Mo. Lindenwood won the HAAC Championship with a 10-0 record during the regular season.

Two months ago Lindenwood came to Lamoni and beat the Jackets in three games, so Graceland had a bit of revenge on their minds going into tonight's game. The Yellowjackets came out fighting, but lost the first game by a close two-point margin of 28-30. Graceland took the next set 30-23 and went into extra frames in the third, and came out on top 36-34. The Jackets lost some steam in the fourth, losing 17-30, but finished with a strong 15-13 win in the final game.

Graceland extends their record to 25-9 overall and will probably host either McKendree College or Evangel University in the first round of the Region V Tournament on Tuesday, November 15 in Lamoni. Brackets and game times have not been released.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team beat Evangel University in four Wednesday night in Springfield, Mo. to move on to the HAAC conference tournament final game on Saturday.

Graceland, the sixth seed in the post-season tournament, lost the first game 22-30 to the second seeded Evangel, but took a commanding lead sweeping the next three games 30-18, 30-21 and 30-21.

“This was a fun game to watch,” said Coach Stew McDole. “We had a really nice crowd for being so far from home. It was truly amazing how many families and fans came to watch. It was just an overall great night.”

Graceland, at 24-9, will now play the top seeded Lindenwood University on Saturday, November 12 for the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship. The contest will be played in St. Charles, Mo. and the game time has not yet been set.

Tonight’s win gives Graceland a bid to the Region V tournament and the possibility to host a regional volleyball game next week. The tournament will be on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and times will be announced at a later date.

Three more Graceland Yellowjackets have been recognized as Heart of America Athletic Conference women’s volleyball players of the week. Megan Ryan is the player of the week, Sarah Young has earned libero of the week and Lindsay Neal has been selected as setter of the week.

Megan Ryan, from New Sharon, Iowa, has been named Heart of America Player of the Week. Ryan finished the week with 46 kills, 10 digs, eight aces and 10 assisted blocks this week for the Yellowjackets. In a 3-1 over Baker, Ryan recorded 19 kills and finished with 15 kills in a 3-1 over Central Methodist. The senior outside hitter averaged 4.18 kills, .91 digs, .73 aces and .91 blocks this week. This is Meg’s second player of the week award of the year.

Junior Sarah Young has earned Libero of the Week in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Young led the Yellowjackets to a 3-0 week with 52 digs and 6 aces. The Fenton, Mo. native had only one error in 119 pass attempts and one error in 69 serve attempts. She averaged 4.33 digs and .50 aces per game this week. This week marks Sarah’s second libero of the week award, and she received a player of the week award once.

Lindsay Neal, a senior from Pleasant Hill, Mo., has been selected Heart of America Athletic Conference Setter of the Week. Neal totaled eight kills, 148 assists, 29 digs and eight total blocks this week for the 3-0 Yellowjackets. Lindsay averaged 13.45 assists per game and finished with 59 assists in a 3-1 win over Baker. Lindsay was the Region V Player of the Week in mid-October and received three setter of the week awards.

Graceland will play Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. on Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. for the second round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament. If the Jackets win, the Graceland ladies will play on Saturday, November 12.

The sixth seeded Graceland women’s volleyball team beat the third seed, Baker University, in four Saturday night in Baldwin City, Kan. to move on to the second round game of the conference tournament.

On Saturday Graceland played four tough games, including a first round 30-32 loss, then winning the next three by scores of 31-29, 30-28 and 30-23. Just 10 days ago Graceland lost 0-3 to Baker in the final conference game of the season.

“This was an awesome performance by our ladies,” said Coach Stew McDole. “I’m just so proud of this team.”

Graceland will play Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. on Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. for the second round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament. If the Jackets win, the Graceland ladies will play on Saturday, November 12.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team beat Grand View College in four Thursday night to end the regular season 22-9 overall.

Graceland convincingly won the first two games by scores of 30-17 and 30-18, but the Vikings from Des Moines took the third out from under the Yellowjackets 30-23. Graceland pulled themselves together for the final game of the regular season, winning 30-23.

Graceland now travels to Baldwin City, Kan. to play Baker University in the first round of the post season conference tournament. The Jackets play the Wildcats at 6 p.m. The winner of the game will play Wednesday, November 9 against Central Methodist or Evangel and the championship game will be Saturday, November 12.

Watch the Graceland website at www.gojackets.graceland.edu for updated information about the Heart of America Athletic Conference volleyball tournament.

Graceland Volleyball Coach Stew McDole said farewell to his five seniors prior to the 3-1 win over Central Methodist University on Tuesday night in Lamoni, Iowa.

McDole honored the accomplishments of Anna Bair, Jodi Butler, Lindsay Neal, Meg Ryan and Brandi Mair. “One of the pangs of coaching is letting go,” said McDole. “Players must ultimately move into their futures. So it is tonight that we celebrate this fantastic five – and prepare ourselves for their physical departure. Emotionally we hope they will always be with us.”

After an exchange of hugs and gifts, the ladies hit the court with an unmatched emotion, winning the first game 30-23 over the Eagles. The Jackets then fought a tough fight in the second, pulling out the 30-27 win. Central Methodist took the third 30-27, but Graceland struck back with a vengeance and won the fourth game 30-16.

The Jackets are now 21-9 and ended their conference season at 6-4. Graceland travels to Des Moines on November 3 to play Grand View College in the Jackets’ last game of the regular season. The ladies will await the final conference rankings for the venue of their conference tournament game on November 5.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference has recognized Graceland volleyball ladies as Players of the Week for the third week in a row.

Seniors Megan Ryan and Lindsay Neal, along with junior Sarah Young have been named HAAC Players of the week for their performances in games against William Jewell, Lubbock Christian, Wayland Baptist and John Brown.

Megan Ryan, a senior outside hitter from New Sharon, Iowa, has been named Heart of America Player of the Week. Ryan finished the week with 58 kills, 10 aces and 13 blocks to lead the Yellowjackets to a 3-1 week. In a 3-2 win over Lubbock Christian, Ryan tallied a week-high 23 kills and six blocks. For the week, Ryan averaged 4.14 kills, .71 aces and .79 assisted blocks.

Senior setter Lindsay Neal has been selected Heart of America Athletic Conference Setter of the Week. Neal totaled 9 kills, 179 assists, 33 digs, 5 aces and 13 blocks this week. In a 3-2 win over Lubbock Christian, Neal finished with 77 assists and 16 digs. The Pleasant Hill, Mo. native averaged 11.93 assists, .33 aces, 2.20 digs and .87 assisted blocks this week.

Junior Sarah Young has earned Libero of the Week in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Young recorded 43 digs and had only 15 errors in 191 pass attempts this week to lead the Yellowjackets to a 3-1 week. The Fenton, Mo. native also had only two errors in 59 total serve attempts. Young averaged 3.07 digs, 13.64 pass attempts and 4.21 serve attempts per game this week.

Previously this month, Lindsay Neal was region and conference player of the week, Shannon Kim was conference player of the week twice and Jenny Stone earned player of the week accolades once.

The Jackets conclude their season next week with a home game against Central Methodist on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., then travel to Des Moines to play Grand View College on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

Graceland is currently 20-9 overall and 5-4 in the conference.

The Graceland women's volleyball team lost in three to Baker University Tuesday night in Baldwin City, Kan.

Graceland lost the first 24-30, then played a strong second game, but again came up short 30-32. Baker took the third 30-27 to end the match.

The Jackets are now 20-9 overall and 5-4 in the conference. Graceland hosts Central Methodist University on November 1 at 7:30 p.m. for the final home game of the season. Coach Stew McDole will honor his seniors prior to the game.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference awarded Graceland University women’s volleyball Yellowjacket Shannon Kim HAAC Player of the Week honors for the week ending October 17. This is Kim’s second player of the week award for the season.

Kim, a sophomore libero, has earned Libero of the Week in the Heart of America Athletic Conference for the second week in a row. Kim led Graceland to a 2-0 week by collecting 29 digs and 8 aces. The Honolulu, Hawaii, native totaled 56 pass receiving attempts with four errors and 46 total serve attempts with three errors. She averaged 3.63 digs and 1.0 aces this week.

Graceland senior Lindsay Neal, from Pleasant Hill, Mo., has been selected Region V Setter of the Week.

Neal recorded 201 assists, 39 digs, 17 aces and six total blocks for the 5-0 Yellowjackets this week. Against Culver-Stockton, Neal tallied a week-high 55 assists and finished with 41 assists in a 3-0 win over Mount Mercy (IA). Neal averaged 1.06 aces and 12.56 assists this week for Graceland.

Watch Lindsay this weekend during Homecoming festivities at 10 a.m. on Saturday when the Yellowjackets play the GU volleyball alumni team. Then on October 18 the Jackets host William Jewell College at 7:30 p.m. in the Closson Center.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference awarded three Graceland University women’s volleyball Yellowjackets HAAC Player of the Week honors for the week ending October 10.

Sophomore Shannon Kim has earned Libero of the Week in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Kim, from Honolulu, Hawaii, finished the week with 66 digs, 111 pass receiving attempts and 11 aces. She averaged 4.13 digs, .69 aces and 6.94 pass receptions per game this week leading Graceland to a 5-0 week.

Jenny Stone, a sophomore middle hitter, has been named Heart of America Player of the Week. Stone led Graceland averaging 3.64 kills, .64 solo blocks, 1.79 assisted blocks and had a hitting percentage of .306 this week. The Wichita, Kan. native totaled 51 kills, 25 assisted blocks and 9 solo blocks for the Yellowjackets in five matches.

Lindsay Neal, a senior from Pleasant Hill, Mo., has been selected Heart of America Athletic Conference Setter of the Week. Neal recorded 201 assists, 39 digs, 17 aces and six total blocks for the 5-0 Yellowjackets this week. Against Culver-Stockton, Neal tallied a week-high 55 assists and finished with 41 assists in a 3-0 win over Mount Mercy (IA). Neal averaged 1.06 aces and 12.56 assists this week for Graceland.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team won their seventh game in a row Monday night with a five-game victory over William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

The Jackets opened the evening with a 30-26 win, but came up two points short in a 31-33 loss in the second. Graceland see-sawed back for the 30-26 win, then lost the fourth 27-30. Graceland ended the exciting match with a 15-13 win in the fifth.

Graceland came off a four-win weekend at the Mt. Mercy Invitational in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Yellowjackets had yet another perfect tournament, winning all four matches in just three games apiece. Graceland beat the host team, Mt. Mercy (30-28, 30-26, 31-29) and conference rival MidAmerica Nazarene (30-19, 32-30, 30-18) on Friday, then beat Ottawa (30-16, 36-34, 30-26) and Harris-Stowe (30-6, 30-8, 30-11) on Saturday.

The Jackets next travel to Olathe, Kan. on October 13 to play MidAmerica Nazarene University at 7 p.m. Graceland returns to the Closson Center October 18 to play William Jewell College at 7:30 p.m.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team is 2-0 after the first day of the Mount Mercy Invitational in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The Yellowjackets opened the tournament with a 3-0 (30-28, 30-26 and 31-29) win over the hosting team, Mount Mercy. Graceland then beat conference rival MidAmerica Nazarene University in three (30-19, 32-30, 30-18) to end day one.

The 13-7 Yellowjackets play Saturday at 9 a.m. against Ottawa University, then play Harris Stowe at noon.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team beat Culver-Stockton College in four Tuesday evening in Lamoni, Iowa.

The Yellowjackets rolled over the Wildcats 30-21 in the first game, but had a hiccup in the second, losing 28-30. Graceland redeemed themselves in the next two games, winning 30-19 and stinging the Wildcats 30-11 in the fourth.

Graceland is now 11-7 overall and 3-3 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Yellowjackets travel to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this weekend for the Mt. Mercy Invitational on Friday and Saturday. Graceland returns to the Closson Center on October 18 to face William Jewell College at 7:30 p.m.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team took Benedictine College to five, losing 3-2 to the Ravens in Atchison, Kan. on Tuesday night.

Benedictine took the first game 30-24, but Graceland rebounded to win the next two 30-27, 30-23. The Jackets faltered in the fourth 30-21 and the Ravens won the fifth 15-12.

Graceland has a week with no games before hosting Culver-Stockton College on Tuesday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m.

The Graceland University women’s volleyball team won three matches in just three games apiece this weekend at the Trinity Christian Troll Invitational in Palos Heights, Ill. Graceland was the only squad in the five-team tournament to win all matches and games.

Graceland began the weekend with a 3-0 win over Taylor University from Upland, Ind. The Yellowjackets defeated the Trojans 30-25, followed by 30-17 and finished 30-25 on Friday night.

Saturday morning the Jackets were matched with Grace College from Winona Lake, Ind. Following the three quick games against the Lancers ending 30-23, 30-19 and 30-25, Graceland looked to end the tournament with a sweep of the host team, Trinity Christian College. Once again, the Jackets came out with three wins of 30-23, 30-28 and 30-26 to end the tournament with a perfect 9-0 record in three matches.

Graceland’s record improves to 10-6 overall and now looks ahead to the conference match up with Benedictine College at 7 p.m. on September 27 in Atchison, Kan.

The Graceland women’s volleyball evened their conference record to 2-2 Tuesday night in Lamoni with a 3-1 win over Avila University.

Coming off a 3-0 over Missouri Valley last weekend, the Jackets came out with a quick 30-14 win in the first. Avila slowed Graceland’s momentum in the second, taking the game 28-30, but the Jackets came back with another blowout in the third, winning 30-20. The Eagles tried to take the match to five, but the Yellowjackets held on to win 30-28 in four.

Graceland travels to Benedictine College on September 27, then returns to the Closson Gymnasium on October 4 to host Culver-Stockton College at 7:30 p.m.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team lost in three to the Lindenwood Lions Tuesday night in Lamoni, Iowa.

The Jackets opened the night with 26 points, then worked their way to 21 points in the second. In the third Graceland once again scored 26 points to end the night.

Graceland travels to Marshall, Mo. on Saturday to play Missouri Valley College at 4 p.m. The Jackets host Avila University on September 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Closson Center.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference selected Graceland junior Sarah Young as the conference player of the week for the week ending September 11.

Young, an outside hitter, tallied 74 kills in 20 matches for a 3.70 average to lead the Yellowjackets this week. The Fenton, Mo. native recorded 49 digs, two solo blocks, 13 assisted blocks and 12 aces on the week. Young led the Jackets to two wins in the Graceland Pizza Shack Invitational this week.

See Sarah in action Tuesday, September 13 in Lamoni when Graceland hosts conference rival Lindenwood University at 7:30 p.m. Sarah’s father, Ron, is the coach of the Lindenwood Lions.

Saturday afternoon Coach Stew McDole added yet another highlight to his already prestigious volleyball career at Graceland.

As the game point against Benedictine was served, McDole stood stone faced with crossed arms, holding his clipboard in his right hand. McDole’s head bobbed while he watched the ball fly over the net. As the referees issued the winning point to the Yellowjackets, McDole’s left hand punched the sky as he smiled ear to ear. Cameras flashed pictures and Director of Athletics Dan Hanton extended a firm handshake and the game ball inscribed with “700” to his former Graceland classmate.

This four-match win over Benedictine College marks McDole’s 700th career win as the head coach of the Graceland Yellowjackets. McDole is currently in his 24th season at the helm of the Yellowjacket volleyball program and holds a 700-340 overall record at Graceland.

McDole has coached his team to 21 consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins. During 17 of those years, he has led the squad to a Heart of America Athletic Conference regular or post season title and has been named the HAAC Coach of the Year 12 times. A post season qualifier in each of his 22 seasons, his Yellowjacket programs have produced 19 All-America selections and 24 All-America scholar-athletes.

Through McDole’s leadership Graceland has been one of the summer homes for USA Volleyball National Development Camps since 1972. Literally dozens of “name” coaches nation and world-wide have served as staff, touching the volleyball lives of thousands of high school and adult players over this 30 year span. Stew, as he is addressed by players and colleagues alike, is a 1965 Graceland graduate; he later completed both a masters and a doctorate in leisure studies at Indiana University-Bloomington. Part of his assignment includes teaching physical education and leisure services administration at Graceland where he served a seven year stint as the academic division chair.

In June of 2005 McDole was awarded the Dr. Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, USA Volleyball’s highest honor. McDole is an elected officer of USA Volleyball where he served as a board member for 10 years and subsequently as corporate treasurer for a total of nine years and executive vice president for four. USA Volleyball recognized him with the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award in 1978. In 2003 McDole was one of 23 members of the inaugural Hall of Fame class inducted by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

Graceland is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). McDole has functioned as an NAIA national volleyball rater for 15 years serving twice as the national rating chair. He is presently the volleyball chair for NAIA Region V. Stew is also just completing a 14 year stint as an officer of the NAIA Volleyball Coaches Association where he has twice served as president. During that period he has been a member of the VCA recognition committee annually sharing in All-America, Player and Coach of the Year selections. He has functioned on 15 tournament committees for the NAIA National Volleyball Championships serving as tournament chair seven times. In 1986 he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame

McDole served 18 years on the AVCA Board of Directors as the NAIA Representative and was a member of the AVCA Executive Committee. In February 1990 McDole was the cover feature for the AVCA Journal “Coaching Volleyball”. He received the AVCA Founders Award in 1997.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team took Evangel University to five games, but came up short to lose 3-2 Tuesday night in Springfield, Mo.

Graceland started the evening with two close games, but only scored 28 in the first and 27 in the second to begin the conference match. The Jackets came out great guns in the third, beating the Crusaders by 10, then skimmed past Evangel by two in the fourth. Graceland lost its steam in the final game, falling 4-15 to finish the match.

The Yellowjackets will host the 33rd Annual Graceland Pizza Shack Invitational consisting of 15 teams from seven states this weekend. Games begin at 12:30 p.m. on Friday and conclude Saturday night at 4:15 in the Closson Center on the Lamoni, Iowa campus.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team opened the 2005 season with a strong 30-18 win over Park University, but lost the final three to end the match 1-3 Tuesday evening in Lamoni.

After the 12-point win in the first game, the Jackets lost the second 19-30, followed by a 21-30 loss in the third. Graceland came back with 24 points in the fourth and final game to end the match.

The Yellowjackets came into the home opener with a 3-1 record at the Heart of America Athletic Conference pre-season tournament held at Baker University last weekend. Graceland beat Avila University, Benedictine College and Evangel University, and lost to Central Methodist University in the tournament.

Graceland next plays Evangel University next Tuesday, September 6 in Springfield, Mo. Gametime is set for 5:00 p.m. In two weeks the Jackets host the Graceland University Pizza Shack Invitational on September 9-10. Watch the GU website at www.gojackets.graceland.edu for more information and game times.

Final Results
Game One: Graceland 30-18
Game Two: Park 30-19
Game Three: Park 30-21
Game Four: Park 30-24

Graceland women’s volleyball coach Stew McDole was presented the Dr. Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, USA Volleyball’s highest honor, at the 60th annual Dorothy C. Boyce Annual Awards and Recognitions Banquet at the Adams Mark Hotel in Denver, Colo.

McDole is currently the treasurer of USA Volleyball, where he has been a long-time member of the USA Volleyball Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

According to USA Volleyball, the “Frier” Award is named in honor of Dr. Harold T. Friermood, the second president of the USVBA and one of the principal individuals responsible for volleyball being a part of the Olympic Games.

McDole has been at the helm of the Graceland women’s volleyball program for the last 23 seasons. He has amassed a 696-335 win-loss record during that time and, before finishing with a record of 13-16 in 2004, McDole posted 21 consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins.

During 17 of those years, he has led the squad to a Heart of America Athletic Conference regular or post season title and has been named the HAAC Coach of the Year 12 times. A post season qualifier in each of his 23 seasons, McDole’s Yellowjacket programs have produced 19 All-America selections and 24 All-America Scholar-Athletes.

Through McDole’s leadership Graceland University has been one of the summer homes for USA Volleyball National Development Camps since 1972. Literally dozens of “name” coaches nation- and world-wide have served as staff for the camps, touching the volleyball lives of thousands of high school and adult players over this 30-year span.

Stew, as he is addressed by players and colleagues alike, is a 1965 Graceland graduate; he later completed both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in leisure studies at Indiana University-Bloomington.

Part of his current assignment includes teaching physical education and leisure services administration at Graceland where he served a seven year stint as the academic division chair.

McDole is an elected officer of USA Volleyball, where he served as a board member for 10 years; as corporate treasurer for a total of nine years; and executive vice president for four years. USA Volleyball also recognized him with the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award in 1978.

Graceland is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). McDole has functioned as an NAIA national volleyball rater for 15 years serving twice as the national rating chair. He is presently the volleyball chair for NAIA Region V. Stew is also just completing a 14-year stint as an officer of the NAIA Volleyball Coaches Association where he has twice served as president. During that period he has been a member of the VCA recognition committee annually sharing in All-America, Player and Coach of the Year selections.

He has functioned on 15 tournament committees for the NAIA National Volleyball Championships and has served as tournament chair seven times. In 1986 he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. In 2003 McDole was one of 23 members of the inaugural Hall of Fame class inducted by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

McDole served 18 years on the AVCA Board of Directors as the NAIA Representative and was a member of the AVCA Executive Committee. In February 1990 McDole was the cover feature for the AVCA Journal “Coaching Volleyball”. He received the AVCA Founders Award in 1997.

Stew and his wife Patty are parents to three children: Chad, Mica and Corey. The McDoles are also the owners and operators of "Country Plus," a gift and Hallmark store in Lamoni.