Where are we located?
Fort Pierce, often called the Sunrise City, has been the hub of St. Lucie County, Florida for over 100 years. Situated on the “Treasure Coast,” named after the famed sinking of a Spanish treasure fleet in 1715, Fort Pierce is one of the oldest communities on the east coast of Florida. Incorporated in 1901, the city grew from 300 pioneers to over 45,000 residents today and encompasses approximately 31 square miles. Our city is a diverse, yet neighborly, community that embraces both the richness of our heritage and the promise of the future. In Fort Pierce, you’ll find a historic, small-town lifestyle in a picturesque slice of paradise, with miles and miles of unspoiled shores. Fort Pierce is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets -- a place with fascinating research centers and museums, excellent community services, and a wealth of cultural and recreational attractions.
Fort Pierce is home to educational and research facilities, like the top-ranked Indian River State College, Smithsonian Marine Station, Manatee Observation and Education Center, and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution at Florida Atlantic University. Furthermore, Indian River State College has earned a statewide and national reputation for excellence. Dedicated to the success of each student, IRSC offers over 100 programs leading to Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate Degrees, Technical Certificates, and Applied Technology Diplomas. Continuing a 57-year tradition of responsiveness to community needs, IRSC is committed to advancing the educational, cultural, career training, workforce, and economic development of its surrounding area.
In 2019, Indian State College was awarded its highest honor, the Aspen Prize, for Community College Excellence. The college was selected from more than 1,000 state and community colleges following a rigorous review of data, strategies, and outcomes related to student learning, degree and certificate completion, high rates of graduate employment, earnings for graduates, and exceptional access and success for minority and low-income students. During the 2017-2018 academic year, IRSC’s graduating class—3,951 students—was the largest in the College’s 58-year history. 94% of IRSC graduates find employment or continue their education, typically earning more than twice the average entry wage in the four-county area. IRSC is designated as the 3rd Most Affordable College in the U.S. by the Department of Education, with no tuition increase in six years
OUR MISSION
Indian River State College is a comprehensive college accredited to award Associate Degrees, Baccalaureate Degrees, and Career and Technical Certificates. As a leader in education and innovation, IRSC transforms lives by offering high-quality, affordable and accessible education through traditional and remote delivery.
IRSC is committed to:
- Creating a superior teaching and learning environment.
- Developing a highly-skilled workforce.
- Cultivating student success.
- Promoting civic responsibility.
- Embracing diversity.
- Stimulating economic growth.
- Fostering community engagement.
- Providing cultural enrichment and lifelong learning.
IRSC PROMISE PROGRAM
The Promise program offers qualifying graduates the opportunity to obtain a tuition-free Associate degree, making higher education accessible to all. There are no family income requirements, and outstanding high school grades are not a prerequisite. The Promise empowers students to focus entirely on their educational aspirations without the burden of tuition costs.
The Indian River State College Promise is an exceptional last-dollar tuition assistance program sponsored by the Indian River State College Foundation, supported by generous donations from philanthropists and investment proceeds. Although the Indian River State College Promise Program has no cash value, it has made a significant impact since its launch in 2022, providing thousands of local students with valuable pathways to higher education. Seize this opportunity today!
Our latest rankings
Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence
Achieving the Dream—Leader College
U.S. Dept. of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center
What does it means to be part of the river?
Being part of The River means joining a family that believes in growth, hard work, and supporting one another. Our program is built on consistent effort, positive energy, and a shared commitment to improving every day. Here at The River, we don’t expect perfection. We expect heart. We expect athletes who care about the details, who want to get better, and who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Academics will always come first. Our athletes understand that being a student-athlete requires responsibility in the classroom. We just don’t just recruit talent, We recruit young adults who can manage their time, handle their coursework, and stay focused on earning their degree here at The River. Coachability, To compete at our level (NJCAA) and at the next level (NCAA, NAIA) , you must be willing to learn, adjust, and push yourself outside your comfort zone. Growth in our gym happens when our athletes are open to correction and committed to continuous improvement. Having a competitive mindset is essential. College sports demand toughness, both physically and mentally. Here at The River, we will help you grow, overcome adversity, and succeed in moments that test your determination. Our most successful athletes are the ones who embrace every challenge and never stop competing. servant leader, being part of a college program also means being a great teammate. We value athletes who communicate well, support one another, and bring positive energy to our environment. Talent gets you noticed, but character keeps you in our program. Lastly, love for the game. College athletics is demanding, but if you’re passionate about the sport and dedicated to the grind, your experience here will shape you in ways that last a lifetime.
THE RIVER VOLLEYBALL WAY
IMPACT
Making a positive and lasting difference through actions and attitude.
Resilient
Bouncing back from setbacks and remaining determined.
Servant leader
Leading by example, putting the team's needs above your own.
Character
Acting with integrity, respecting others, and doing what is right.
Team Achievements
- 2015 Southern Conference Champions
- 7x named to the "25 Dig Club"
- 3 DII All-FSCAA | ALL NJCAA Region 8
- All- Sun Lakes Conference 1st and 2nd team nominations
- 1 DI FCSAA All-State Nomination
- All-Sun Coast 1st and 2nd team nominations
- More than 43 athletes placed into 4 year institutions across all levels.
- Multiples All-FSCAA Academic Team
- Team GPA of 3.40 or higher
- 3 All Americans
- 7 post season appearances (Latest 2025)
Indian River Volleyball Dominates in the Classroom, Wins 14th Skull Award
The Indian River State College volleyball team continues to set the standard for academic excellence, securing the 2024 Skull Award—an honor given to the athletic team with the highest cumulative GPA for the fall semester. This marks the second consecutive year the Pioneers have earned the award and their 14th Skull Award in program history. With an impressive fall team GPA of 3.42, the Pioneers excelled in the classroom despite the demands of their in-season schedule. 87.5% of the roster maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher, including eight players earning a 3.5 or better. Additionally, Blake Ferguson, Camryn Childers, and Katejion Robinson received Top 10% Scholar-Athlete recognition. "We strive to excel in all areas, not just on the court," said Head Coach Erin Ergle. "This team's hard work goes beyond the game, and to see them succeed academically is truly special. Winning the award in back-to-back years highlights our program's commitment to dedication, discipline, and excellence. Balancing high-level athletics and academics isn't easy, but our players continue to raise the bar. This is a proud moment for our program." This year's Skull Award victory adds to a legacy of academic success for Indian River volleyball, with previous titles in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023, and now 2024. The River continue to prove that success isn't just measured by the scoreboard—it's built on hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in all areas. Congratulations to our student-athletes on another outstanding achievement! Source: IRSC Athletics
Coaching Staff
Erin Ergle Head Coach eergle@irsc.edu 772-462-7062 Erin Ergle enters her second season as head volleyball coach at Indian River State College for the upcoming 2025 season. In her first season at the helm, Ergle led the program to significant improvements on and off the court. The team increased its winning percentage by nearly 20% from the previous year and finished 7th overall—just one spot shy of a postseason berth, as the top six teams advanced to the state tournament. Under her leadership, two players received conference recognition: sophomore outside hitter Katè Robinson was named to the Division II All-FCSAA/All-NJCAA Region 8 Team and earned First Team All-Conference honors, while freshman setter Katelyn Bobo was named Second Team All-Conference. Academically, the team thrived with a 3.42 GPA in the fall and an even stronger 3.55 GPA in the spring—earning the highest team GPA in the athletic department both semesters. Additionally, both sophomores on the roster earned their Associate of Arts degrees in Spring 2025 and will transfer to NCAA Division I institutions to continue their academic and athletic careers. The Port St. Lucie, Florida native was a former player and is an alumna of Indian River State College. In the two seasons of being a River athlete, she appeared in 43 matches and played 124 sets along with being elected captain both her freshman and sophomore year. Ergle had an impressive overall career at Indian River of 608 assists, 21 blocks, 41 aces, and 192 digs. As a freshman, Ergle was a part of her team’s success making an appearance at the NJCAA Division 1 Region 8 FCSAA State Tournament in 2018. She was also a part of her team winning the FCSAA Female Academic Team of the Year Honor in 2019. In Ergle’s sophomore year as a River athlete, she was named NJCAA Division 1 Region 8 FCSAA Second-Team All-Southern Conference. Ergle originally joined the Indian River coaching staff as an assistant coach under then-head coach Jordan Bickett. At the time of her hiring, Bickett stated, “We are beyond excited to welcome back an alumna of our program to join our coaching staff. Erin was a great player who loves the game. Her experience and passion for the sport and at Indian River will benefit our student-athletes in countless ways.” Following her time as a student-athlete at Indian River State College, Ergle signed a scholarship to play at Valdosta State University in Georgia. While with the Blazers, she was a part of her team’s accomplishment in making an appearance to the Gulf South Spring Championship Series in 2021 due to COVID-19. She was also named to the Gulf South Conference Honor Roll in 2020 and 2021. Ergle began her coaching career while playing at Indian River State College. Since 2019, she has assisted in coaching multiple teams and programs at High Tide Volleyball Club, while also serving as head coach for 12-and-under teams. Her responsibilities included leading and preparing athletes for competition and developing their skills to the next level. Ergle received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Valdosta State University in 2022.
Maria Rentas-Correa Assistant Coach mrentascorrea@irsc.edu Maria Rentas‑Correa, a native of Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico, enters her first season at Indian River State College ahead of the 2025 season, after spending the past three seasons as the Graduate Assistant Coach at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. While coaching at Cedar Crest, Rentas-Correa earned her Master of Science in Integrative Science in May 2025. During her tenure, she compiled an impressive 21–7 overall conference record, helping guide the Falcons to a Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance—only the second time in school history for both accomplishments. In 2023, she led the team to its first divisional title (SKYE Division) and a runner-up finish in the United East Conference Tournament. Under her leadership, multiple athletes earned over a dozen all-conference and regional honors, including Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Division Player of the Year, multiple Player of the Week selections, and Academic All-District accolades. The program also achieved a team GPA of 3.4 or higher and ranked top 5 in the league in four statistical categories. “We’re extremely excited to welcome Maria to our program,” said Head Coach Erin Ergle. “She brings great energy, proven success at the collegiate level, and a clear passion for developing student-athletes. I can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have here at Indian River!” Rentas-Correa began her collegiate coaching career in Fall 2022 after completing her playing career at Alcorn State University and Eastern Florida State College. At Alcorn State University, she finished with 271 assists, 88 digs, 11 aces, and six kills. She was actively involved on campus, serving as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and was a two-time honoree on the President’s and Dean’s List. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy in Summer 2022. Prior to Alcorn, she competed at Eastern Florida State College (2018–2020), where she tallied 407 assists, 149 digs, 18 kills, and 10 service aces. As a freshman, she ranked 19th in the state for assists per set, was a two-time FCSAA All-Academic Team selection, and earned her Associate of Arts degree in May 2020.