Patti Ford - Head Volleyball Coach

Sept. 13, 2004

Patti Ford starts her 13th season as head volleyball coach at UW-River Falls and has led the Falcons to six NCAA Div. III national playoff berths. She is currently fifth among active WIAC coaches in wins (329) and third in winning percentage (.718).

The Falcons had another banner year in 2003 winning the WIAC regular season title and advancing to the WIAC playoff championship match and into the NCAA Div. III national playoffs. UWRF finished the year 35-6 overall and advanced to the NCAA “Sweet 16.” In 2002 the Falcons finished 31-8 overall and 7-1 in the WIAC. UWRF has won back-to-back WIAC regular season titles under Ford’s direction. UWRF has won four WIAC titles and finished the 1999 season 8-0.

Ford has coached six AVCA All-Americans, 13 AVCA All-Region players, two WIAC Players of the Year and two WIAC Scholar-Athletes.

In 2001 the Falcons finished 20-17 overall and 5-3 and in third place in the WIAC. The Falcons advanced to the NCAA Div. III playoffs but lost a first-round match, three games to two to Elmhurst College.

In 1999 the Falcons finished 30-7 overall and were ranked as high as fourth in the nation. The Falcons finished 8-0 in WIAC dual matches and finished second in the WIAC tourney. Ford was named the WIAC Coach of the Year for the second time since 1995. The Falcons advanced to the NCAA Tourney but lost in the first round.

Ford has coached the Falcons to 30 or more wins in four of the past seven seasons and the Falcons have finished now lower than third in the WIAC regular-season standings in that same time period.

In 1998 the Falcons finished 32-6 overall and were 6-2 in the WIAC and finished second in the regular-season standings. They finished second in the WIAC playoffs. They advanced to the NCAA Championships and after winning their first match, lost in the finals. In 1996 the Falcons finished 34-5 overall and 7-1 in the WIAC. The Falcons went on to win the WIAC tournament title and hosted a NCAA Div. III first-round match. Ford has compiled a 263-115 record at UWRF.

The Falcons finished the 1995 season with a 38-7 record. The 38 wins are a record in a single season. The Falcons were 6-2 and placed third in the WIAC. Ford earned the WIAC Coach of the Year award.

Ford was an assistant coach at North Dakota State before coming to UW-RF. She worked in all phases of the program including court coaching, scouting, recruiting, game management and organization of NDSU summer camps. With Ford as an assistant coach, the Bison won three straight North Central Conference championships. They placed second in the NCAA Div. II national championships in 1990 and third in 1989 and 1991.

From 1983-91 she was the head coach of the Shanley, N.D., High School volleyball team. Her teams compiled a 201-63 overall record and won state championships in 1991 and 1988. The team finished second in the state in 1990, 1987, 1986 and 1984. Her teams appeared in nine straight state tournaments.

In 1991 she was named the North Dakota Coach of the Year and the East Regional Coach of the Year.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Marty College, S.D., in 1983 in health, physical education and recreation. She earned her master's degree at NDSU in education/physical education in 1994.

Ford teaches classes in the University's health and human performance department and serves as the assistant athletic director.

Contact coach Patti Ford.

Patti Ford



The Ford File