Sports
D’Errico Named Head Coach of Utah Volleyball Program
A press conference to introduce D’Errico and celebrate Launiere’s career is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m., at Crimson Court.
“Alyssa D’Errico is a tremendous identifier of talent and is elite in developing student-athletes and building genuine relationships,” Harlan said. “With her championship pedigree, All-America playing experience, and the three years she has spent at the University of Utah as associate head coach, she is uniquely equipped to take over leadership of our volleyball program. I’m thrilled to appoint Alyssa as our new head coach, and excited to see her establish herself as this programs’ leader, building on the legacy that Beth Launiere has built.”
Through three seasons in Salt Lake City, D’Errico has made her presence known, helping the Utes improve from an 11-19 record in 2023 to 25-6 in 2024, including a return to the NCAA Tournament for the 19th time and a final AVCA ranking of 23rd. She helped guide Utah to its 20th NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025. Primarily responsible for the defense, D’Errico has overseen all scouting and training concerning that side of the net, as well as Utah’s serve/receive strategy.
“I want to sincerely thank Mark Harlan, Charmelle Green and Jason Greco for their trust and support in giving me this opportunity to lead Utah Volleyball,” said D’Errico. “Of course, I also must thank Beth Launiere. I am deeply grateful to Beth for bringing me out here to be a part of this incredible volleyball program and athletic department. Her countless contributions to our sport, her care for the athletes, and the legacy she leaves behind are inspiring—truly leaving the program better than she found it. As I step into this role, I am honored and energized to help guide our program into the next era, with new heights in sight and a strong vision for sustained excellence. I look forward to building on our foundation, elevating our competitive standard, and fostering a culture where our student-athletes thrive on and off the court.”
D’Errico came to Utah after six seasons on the staff at Dayton. Hired in 2017, she was promoted to associate head coach in 2019, and served as the program’s recruiting coordinator. D’Errico specialized in the blocking and defensive efforts for the Flyers, while also being involved in all aspects of recruiting and program-wide decisions. She helped guide Dayton to two A-10 regular season championships (2020, ’21) and four A-10 Tournament championships (2018-21). Additionally, the Flyers saw two athletes earn A-10 Libero of the Year honors under D’Errico’s watch while coaching four All-Americans and leading the Dayton defense to a top-30 ranking in 2020 and ’21. D’Errico’s astounding early efforts as a coach was recognized by the AVCA in 2018 as part of its Thirty Under 30 honorees.
D’Errico began her coaching career at Louisville from 2015-2016, where she was instrumental in helping the Cardinals to their first ACC Championship shortly after her arrival, and coaching 2015 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year Molly Sauer.
“I couldn’t be more pleased for Alyssa D’Errico to be named the next head volleyball coach at the University of Utah,” said Beth Launiere. “She has great knowledge of the game, and a work ethic second to none. Alyssa is a leader who invests in her players in both time and care, and is a tremendous role model for young women. Her exceptionalism as a four-time NCAA Women’s Volleyball National Champion was a prelude to her extraordinary attributes as a coach and what she brings to the profession. I have no doubt Alyssa will maintain the culture we have strived to create and continue Utah Volleyball’s winning tradition.”
D’Errico’s competitive spirit became immediately apparent during her impressive college career at Penn State as a member of four Big Ten championship and national championship teams from 2007-2010 where she served as team captain for three of those seasons. She is the only player in NCAA Division I volleyball history to have won four national championships after winning state championships in her last three years of high school.
The 2010 All-Big Ten honorable mention selection was a member of the Nittany Lions’ record-setting 109- match win streak, and won 24-straight NCAA tournament matches through her four seasons in Happy Valley. D’Errico amassed 1,245 career digs, 146 career aces, and was named the 2011 NCAA Woman of the Year to wrap up her illustrious collegiate career.
After graduating, D’Errico placed her sights on Europe, playing three seasons overseas as a libero with stops in Spain, Croatia and France. During her professional career, D’Errico was the MVP of the Princess Cup, a four-time Superliga weekly MVP, and a “Super 7” All-League honoree with the Feel Volley Alcobendas Club in Spain.
D’Errico is not only accomplished as a college coach, but has built an extensive resume with USA Volleyball, having spent eight years with the organization in various roles including serving as an assistant on the 2020 Youth National Team, an assistant coach for the U17-U18 National Team Development Program summer training series in 2023 and 2024, an assistant coach for the U17-U18 NTDP spring training series in 2024, the head coach for the U18-U20 NTDP spring training series in 2025, and the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Program evaluator in 2025. Most recently, D’Errico served as an assistant coach for the 2025 U19 National Team that took home the silver medal at the World Championships this past summer.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ALYSSA D’ERRICO
Penn State Head Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley:
“I am absolutely thrilled for Alyssa and for Utah Volleyball. She is stepping into a program built on excellence under Beth, and there is no doubt she will honor that foundation while elevating it even further. Alyssa’s energy, passion, and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way will only strengthen the culture and push the program to new heights.
She has always led with heart, humility, and an incredible competitive drive, and Utah is gaining not only a great coach but an even better person. I couldn’t be happier for her and for the bright future ahead.”
Former Penn State Head Coach Russ Rose:
“Alyssa arrived at Penn State with terrific skills, natural leadership and confidence, and she graduated with four Big Ten and four National Championships on her resume. She received numerous academic and athletic awards, and was always committed to the University, the team and its members.
After a brief professional playing career, Alyssa entered the coaching track and experienced great mentoring at Louisville with Anne Kordes, at Dayton with Tim Horsman, and then of course with Beth Launiere at the University of Utah. At each of her stops she gained not only meaningful experience, but the benefits of working with elite coaches.
I’m confident that Alyssa will continue to excel and build on the exceptional tradition established by Beth, and I expect to see great things in the future.”
Dayton Head Coach Tim Horsmon:
“I’m really excited for Alyssa to get this opportunity as the head coach of the Utah program. Utah made a great hire. She’s won as a player, winning four national championships, and she continues to win as a top-25 coach.
I’m not sure I’ve been around someone so passionate about this sport or our profession. Alyssa is smart, hard-working and connects with her players on and off of the court. She is a real pro, and more importantly a great human being who demonstrates great character in all things she does. I couldn’t be happier for one of my favorite people in this world.”
Minnesota Head Coach Keegan Cook:
“Congratulations to the University of Utah on the hiring of Alyssa D’Errico. Simply put, there is no one better prepared or more capable of seizing this opportunity than Alyssa. The Utes have ensured that the legacy of leadership and championship-caliber coaching at the University of Utah will continue.”
Michigan State Head Coach Kristin Kelsay:
“I can’t think of anyone better than Alyssa D’Errico to lead the Utah Women’s Volleyball Program. Alyssa is a champion on and off the court and will lead the Utes with character, integrity, and her competitive fire. Alyssa’s passion to grow the game of volleyball and her relational leadership will mentor, guide, and challenge the student-athletes in her program. I am so excited for this next chapter of Utah Volleyball with Alyssa at the helm”
Oregon Head Coach Trent Kersten:
“Huge congratulations to Alyssa D’Errico on being named the head coach at University of Utah. She’s a phenomenal coach and an even better person. Beth built an incredible foundation there, and Alyssa is the perfect leader to honor that legacy while putting her own stamp on the program. I’m excited to see Utah Volleyball thrive under her leadership.”
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MacCudden is the third member of the Bears’ 2026 class to receive AVCA All-America recognition.
Defensive Specialist Is A 2025 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention
The California volleyball team has added another member to its incoming freshman class, with defensive specialist Siena MacCudden officially set to join Abby Zimmerman, Anna Flores and Nicole Milosevic as new Golden Bears in 2026. Both MacCudden and Flores have enrolled early and will be practicing with the team this spring.
“Siena is a great competitor and has played high level volleyball her entire career,” Cal volleyball head coach Jen Malcom said. “We appreciate how she carries herself on the court – steady in serve receive and scrappy on the defensive end. She will be a great addition to our back court group this spring. When she said she wanted to join the team early, we knew that we got someone who is all in and wants to be great.”
A native of Nashotah, Wisconsin, the 5-foot-9 product of Arrowhead Union High School was named an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America Honorable Mention after a senior season in which she collected 685 digs, third most in the state, and was named Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association (WVCA) All-State and the Classic 8 Conference Libero of the Year for the second consecutive season while earning AVCA All-Region 6 honors. MacCudden was also named WVCA All-State and All-Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore in 2023 after leading her team to the first of two consecutive regional titles.
With MacCudden’s assistance, her club team, Milwaukee Sting, won the national championship at the 2023 Girls Junior National Championships (GJNC) 15s, a year in which she was named to the AVCA Phenom and Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) Watch Lists for the first time. MacCudden was also recognized by the JVA Watch List in 2024 and 2025.
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GREENSBORO – The North Carolina A&T men’s and women’s track and field programs started off their respective seasons with programs capturing four first-place finishes apiece over the weekend at the Visit Winston-Salem College Kick-off hosted by the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, NC.
The Coastal Athletic Association awarded some of those accomplishments by naming junior sprinter Hayleigh Bryant Women’s Track Athlete of the Week and senior Dyimond Walker Men’s Track Athlete of the Week.
Bryant captured her first career weekly honor. She took first place in the seeded 200 meters by running an indoor personal-best 24.03, the eighth-fastest time in the country and the best in the CAA. Bryant joined junior Kymara Brodie, freshman Richari Wildgoose, and junior Serenity Brazell to win the 4×400-meter relay in 3:45.85. Their time is also a CAA-best thus far this season.
Meanwhile, Walker led a strong contingent of Aggies in the 800m. Walker won the event with a time of 1:52.68. Four other Aggies finished in the top 10 to dominate the event, including freshman Taysaun Wilson (2nd, 1:53.05), senior Dawson Grogan (3rd, 1:54.25), sophomore Elijah Thomas (5th, 1:55.69), and junior Kaleb Conway (9th, 1:59.15).
Walker also joined senior Ha’Mir Hampton, Wilson, and junior Isaiah Taylor to run a 3:12.29 to win the 4×400-meter relay. Walker’s 800m time is the best in the CAA and ranks ninth nationally. The Aggies are second in the CAA in the 4×400 and 12th nationally. Bryant, Walker, and the Aggies are not scheduled to return to action until January 17, when they will participate in the Mondo Collegiate Invitational at the JDL Fast Track.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – [BOX SCORE | BRACKET] The Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats won their third consecutive Red Banner on Tuesday night in the Tyson Events Center against the Northwestern (Iowa) Red Raiders in four sets (25-23, 23-25, 25-18, 25-19).
At the beginning of the season, Indiana Wesleyan had a bumpy start, battling injuries. The Wildcats recorded losses to Concordia (Neb.), Bellevue (Neb.) and Viterbo (Wis.) before hitting their stride. IWU then went on a 17-match win streak before a loss to Crossroads League opponent Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio). The Wildcats then went on a 12-match winning streak, which culminated in a conference title and a trip to the NAIA national championship match for the third consecutive year.
Northwestern had only three blemishes on its record this season, the last of which came on Sept. 20 to Oklahoma Wesleyan. Since then, the Red Raiders have gone on a 22-match win streak that saw them capture the Great Plains Athletic Conference title and advance to the NAIA national championship match for the second time in three years.
The 2025 championship match is a rematch of the 2023 championship match, in which Indiana Wesleyan won its first title, and Northwestern made its first championship appearance. They also met earlier this season on August 20, when Northwestern traveled to Indiana Wesleyan and the Wildcats won the match in four sets.
Tonight, the two teams meet again, with the Wildcats hoping for a third title and the Red Raiders their first.
The match opened with teams trading points until seven all on the scoreboard before Indiana Wesleyan went on a 12-point run. Northwestern hung around and made their move at 23-18, where the Red Raiders went on a five-point scoring run to tie the score at 23. However, with a kill by Eva Joldersma and a solo block by Marin Sanchez, IWU took the opening set 25-23.
NWC opened up the second set with the first three points and held the lead until a 7-2 scoring run that gave the Wildcats their first lead of the set at 11-9. A quick back-and-forth and the teams were tied again at 11 and 12 before another 7-2 scoring run by the Wildcats. But Northwestern wasn’t done yet as they went on a five-point run at 23-20, sparked by a kill off the hand of Stella Winterfield that closed out set two, 25-23 in favor of the Red Raiders.
With a tie of one set apiece on the scoreboard, the teams continued the Battle for the Red Banner into set three. IWU struck first blood in the third set with a kill from Marissa Mullins. The teams fought through seven ties, but at 14 all, a kill from Shae Williams sparked a four-point run that gave the Wildcats the advantage they would not relinquish for a 25-18 set four win, which was clinched with a kill from Eva Joldersma.
Marissa Mullins started things off for the Wildcats in set four as IWU took the initial lead in the set. The teams traded points until 14 all when an 8-2 scoring run gave Indiana Wesleyan a six-point lead that they would see through to a 25-19 set and match win.
With the win, IWU became part of an elite group with three other teams (Fresno Pacific (Calif.), Brigham Young-Hawaii, and Hawaii-Hilo) that have won three consecutive titles.
All-Tournament Team
Eve Fountain, Bellevue (Neb.)
Ashley Keck, Concordia (Neb.)
Ella Waters, Concordia (Neb.)
Makayla Roginski, Corban (Ore.)
Kiera Vaughn, Eastern Oregon
Brooke Womack, Eastern Oregon
Eva Joldersma, Indiana Wesleyan
Shae Williams, Indiana Wesleyan
Marissa Mullens, Indiana Wesleyan
Enya Fierens, McPherson (Kan.)
Gabi Jakubowska, Missouri Baptist
Zavyr Metzger, Northwestern (Iowa)
Stella Winterfeld, Northwestern (Iowa)
Bella Thompson, Providence (Mont.)
Setter of the Tournament: Bella Thompson, Providence (Mont.)
Defender of the Tournament: Zavyr Metzger, Northwestern (Iowa)
Attacker of the Tournament: Stella Winterfeld, Northwestern (Iowa)
Tournament MVP: Eva Joldersma, Indiana Wesleyan
Coach of the Tournament: Candace Moats, Indiana Wesleyan
CHARLESTON – The Charleston Southern Track & Field programs released their schedules for the 2026 outdoor season on Wednesday afternoon. They will compete in seven meets up and down the East Coast during the regular season with each scheduled for consecutive weekends.
The season will begin in mid-March with some student-athletes traveling to Charlotte for the 49er Classic while others will stay back to compete in the home meet, the Buccaneer Invitational. The home meet is scheduled for Friday, March 20 while Charlotte’s is from Thursday, March 19 through Saturday, March 21.
Following this, they will be on the road for four consecutive trips to ACC and SEC programs before finishing the regular season at Charlotte. Those big trips include the Raleigh Relays, hosted by NC State, (3/26-3/28), Florida Relays (4/3-4/4), Duke Invitational (4/9-11) and Georgia Tech Invitational (4/17-4/18). The season ends at the Charlotte Invitational, which is held from Friday, April 24 through Saturday, April 25.
The Buccaneers will then enjoy a pair of weekends of rest and recovery before traveling to High Point, North Carolina for the Big South Championships. The Panthers are serving as the hosts for this year’s championship meet which is scheduled for Monday, May 11 through Wednesday, May 13.
The NCAA East First and Second Round Regional meet returns to Lexington, Kentucky with the University of Kentucky to host the event. It is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 through Saturday, May 30. The NCAA Championships are in Eugene, Oregon with the University of Oregon hosting. The meet is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 through Saturday, June 13.
The AVCA is proud to announce its 44th annual All-America teams for NCAA Division II women’s volleyball.
The 2025 All-Americans include 42 players—14 on the first, second, and third teams—from 29 schools, and 117 honorable mention selections. Two programs have three players on those teams: Point Loma (one on the first-, second-, and third-team) and Missouri-St. Louis (two first-team picks and a third-team selection).
The 2025 AVCA Freshman of the Year is Valeriya Kozlova of Barry. The outside hitter had 475 kills, averaged 5.48 points per set, and she hit .351. She helped the Bucs to a 25-5 record, and the team was ranked in the top 5 of the AVCA Poll every week since early October.
Abi Nua of Point Loma earns her third All-America award, as she’s made the first-team the past two seasons after being a third-team pick in 2022. Caitlin Bishop of Missouri-St. Louis and Peyton Neff also are two-time, first-team All-Americans. Three third-team selections—Elizabeth Blinn of Bentley, Anna Coulter of East Stroudsburg, and Mikayla Weiss of Fresno Pacific—become the first players in their respective school’s history to make one of the three AVCA All-America teams.
Freshman of the Year: Valeriya Kozlova, Barry University, OH
Player of the Year: Makenna Nold, Concordia University-St. Paul, RS, So.
Coach of the Year: to be announced Dec. 11
Assistant Coach of the Year: to be announced Dec. 11
The 2025 All-America selections were made by the AVCA Division II All-America Committee: Chuck Waddington of Angelo State University (chair), Wick Colchagoff of University of Findlay, Chris Herron of Washburn University, Travis Hinkle of Fairmont State, Danielle MacKnight of Adelphi University, Mika Robinson of Rollins College, Jonathan Scott of Point Loma, and Michael Smith of Mars Hill University.
Click here to see links to bios on First-, Second-, and Third-Team All-Americans.
ALL-AMERICANS
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