Pending approval from the Barton Community College Board of Trustees at their meeting later this month, Jim Cartisser is expected to become the volleyball program's next head coach.
Cartisser comes to Great Bend after spending 18 seasons at the College of Southern Idaho including the last six seasons as head coach leading the Golden Eagles to a 118-61 overall record.
"Jim comes to Barton a proven winner!" remarked Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs. "His background and resume in collegiate volleyball speaks for itself. We look forward to Coach Cartisser arriving in Great Bend to guide Barton Volleyball to NJCAA prominence."
Serving the first twelve seasons as an assistant, the last eight assisting his late wife Heidi, the duo led the Golden Eagles to a trio of NJCAA national titles and a national runner-up finish.
During his tenure as the Head Coach, the Golden Eagles claimed another NJCAA Championship in 2018 as Cartisser was named both the AVCA and NJCAA Coach of the Year.
A native of Oregon, the love of volleyball started on the sand courts carrying onto the hard court collegiately competing for Portland State University's club team.
Entering the collegiate coaching ranks in 1994, Cartisser has served as either a head or assistant coach throughout his career, along with coaching multiple club team programs.
Cartisser inherits an expected reloaded Cougar squad assembled by Megan Besecker prior to her departure taking over the reigns of NCAA Division II Pittsburg State University.
The 2024 Cougars captured their second straight KJCCC title on the way to their 24th NJCAA National Tournament appearance, finishing 4th in the nation at 33-4 overall.