When Maria Jacobus arrived for her interview at Northeastern State University, the volleyball program she was hoping to lead didn't even have a ball. Talk about a blank slate. The RiverHawks' volleyball program has been dormant since the 1980s, making Jacobus's hiring as the inaugural head coach of its revival a truly foundational moment. Stepping away from her role as an assistant at the University of Idaho, she isn't just taking over a team—she's building one from the ground up, free from the shadow of past expectations.

"The most exciting part is that there is no past to compete with or compare to," Jacobus said. "Volleyball was a different game in the 80s. We set the standard. We decide how high the bar will be."

Her track record of building success is precisely why NSU Athletic Director Tony Sisemore targeted her for this unique challenge. "As we reintroduce volleyball, we needed a leader who understands how to build from the ground up," Sisemore stated. "Maria's experience and commitment to development make her the ideal choice."

Jacobus's coaching journey is a testament to rapid growth. A former player at Wenatchee Valley College in her hometown, she ascended from assistant to head coach. After a tough first season, she engineered a remarkable turnaround, flipping a 3-13 conference record to 13-3 and a playoff berth the very next year. That ability to instill a winning culture quickly is exactly what NSU needs.

Her subsequent move to the University of Idaho as a defensive specialist assistant coach further refined her philosophy. "At Idaho, I could specialize, which helped me build upon the systems I created," Jacobus explained. "Defense is definitely a strong suit, and I'm bringing that detailed, system-focused approach here."

Now, the 26-year-old coach is fully immersed in the most crucial phase: constructing the inaugural roster for the 2026 season. For Jacobus, character is just as important as athleticism. "I'm focused on the person over the player," she said, noting the palpable excitement from recruits. "They have so much joy at the possibility of being the first names on the NSU volleyball roster. That passion to build a legacy is already there."

With a core likely forming from junior college transfers and a clear, defensive-minded philosophy, Maria Jacobus isn't just planning for the future of NSU volleyball—she's actively creating it, one foundational piece at a time.