Filer set to take over TMU men's volleyball

Austin Filer has been named the head coach of The Master's University men's volleyball team.

Filer, coming over from NAIA powerhouse Mount Mercy, will take over for Jared Goldberg, who led the team to a national championship in 2025 and multiple NAIA tournament appearances. Coach Goldberg has accepted a coaching position with Baylor University.

"I'm honored to be named the next head men's volleyball coach at The Master's University," Coach Filer said. "From my first conversations with the administration, it was clear that Master's is a special place. The opportunity to coach at a university that is unwavering in its commitment to Christ and Scripture is one that my family and I are incredibly grateful for."

Filer, a former professional volleyball player, most recently guided the Mount Mercy Mustangs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to a 23-5 record and an NAIA National Tournament appearance. In six years, he compiled a 113-48 record and was named Heart of America Conference Coach of the Year in 2026. 

"We're excited to add Austin in a seamless transition with somebody who is highly qualified coming from a great institution who knows our team in and out," said TMU Athletic Director Jim Rickard. "He is an excellent coach who wants to have a great spiritual ministry with the players and help them grow in their faith through volleyball. We could not be more excited."

Filer also was an excellent coach on the high school level, coaching Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids to over 200 wins in seven years and a state title in 2020 and 2022. He is excited to lead a Mustangs squad that finished with a record of 24-2 and closed out the year ranked No. 3 in the NAIA.

"I want to thank Athletic Director Jim Rickard for his trust and for the opportunity to lead this program," Filer said. "I'm also grateful to Coach Jared Goldberg for the outstanding foundation he has built. Master's has established itself as one of the premier men's volleyball programs in the NAIA, and I look forward to building on that tradition while continuing to pursue excellence on and off the court. I'm excited to get to campus, meet our players, and begin building relationships. My desire is to develop young men who pursue excellence in the classroom, compete at the highest level on the court, and, above all, grow in their walk with Christ. I can't wait to get started."