The Lebanon Tigers will see two new coaches in the upcoming sports seasons for girls volleyball and swimming who are dedicated to further the success of the Tigers as they strive for a competitive fall and winter season.
The Lebanon Tigers announced that Zach Tharp will be taking over as coach of the Lady Tigers volleyball team where he will bring experience in coaching that extends over 20 years.
“During this time, he has gained valuable experience working with high school athletes and fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment,” Phil Levine, Athletic Director, wrote. “His philosophy revolves around not only developing players’ skills on the court but also instilling discipline, teamwork and a strong work ethic that extends beyond the game. He is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that allows all players to thrive both athletically, academically and personally.”
Tharp is the founder of the Team Illinois Volleyball Club where he served as the head coach for the 17-1 team. In the first year of the club’s existence, Tharp secured a USAV National bid and finished the tournament in the top 25. Following his time with the club, he became the Director of the Grand Park Volleyball Club for the 2020 season to transition the club into new directorship, which was then taken over by Sean Keeve. Tharp is currently the head coach of the Monon Select Volleyball Club 17-1 Elite Team and assists with the 13-3 Elite Teams.
“Coach Tharp has a wealth of in-depth knowledge of volleyball rules, strategies and techniques and spends a lot of time analyzing game footage to identify areas for improvement and develop strategic game plans while mentoring and motivating his players to achieve their personal best,” Levine wrote. “He focuses on providing a positive and supportive team environment dedicated to sportsmanship and teamwork. He possesses strong leadership and communication skills.”
Tharp resides in Zionsville and works for Jacaruso Enterprises as Regional Director of Sales, Remote Sales and Marketing Director for 15 hotels across the country.
“I welcome Coach Tharp to the Lebanon Tiger coaching family and look forward to working with him,” Levine wrote.
The Tigers have also announced that Morgan Glendenning will take over as coach of the swim team to continue the success of the Tigers as a Lebanon High School alumnus of the Class of 2014.
While attending Lebanon High School, Glendenning achieved four varsity letters for swimming, and she continued her swimming career for two years at Lincoln College in Illinois where she obtained an Associates of Science Degree before receiving her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana State University. Glendenning began coaching the Lebanon Swim Club in 2019 and assisted with the middle school and high school swim and dive team. She took over as head coach of the middle school swim and dive team while continuing to assist at the high school. Glendenning took over as Head Senior Club Coach in 2023 and maintains the position, and she teaches sixth-grade English at Lebanon Middle School.
“I believe the consistency of having someone take over a program that has already been invested and coaching at the club level will help make for a smooth transition,” Levine wrote. “I am excited to have Coach Glendenning take over the LHS Swim and Dive program. She has the knowledge, experience and time to dedicate to the LHS Swim program so it can continue to grow and be successful. I look forward to working with her in her new position as Head Coach of the Lebanon Tiger Sharks.”
The new coaches will begin their seasons during the 2024-2025 school year.