Darty Dennis adds Raiola to volleyball coaching staff

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State volleyball head coach Julie Darty Dennis announced a new addition to her coaching staff this week, introducing TCU alum Taylor Raiola as the new director of volleyball operations. 

“Taylor is an exciting addition to our program,” Darty Dennis said of Raiola. “She has high-level experience as a player, organizational experience in volleyball along with football, and has infectious energy that is going to help us continue to elevate our operations. I’m so excited to have her join our family and bring new ideas to the staff.”

Raiola went to TCU after a standout high school career in Scottsdale, Ariz., graduating from Scottsdale Christian Academy. She comes from a sporting family, with her mother, Yvonne, a water polo player and her father, Dominic, an All-American offensive lineman at Nebraska. Her uncle, Donovan, is currently the offensive line coach for the Huskers.

In high school, Raiola earned four varsity letters and helped lead the team to three consecutive state championships from 2017-19. She received four All-Region honors and was named to the Region 9 All-High School team as a senior. 

Raiola spent four seasons as an outside hitter with the Horned Frogs. She appeared in 80 games with 41 starts, collecting 373 kills and 410 digs. As a freshman, she became the first player in program history to record a double-double since 2005. She led the team in double-doubles as a sophomore.

Raiola and the Horned Frogs made two NCAA Tournament appearances during her time in Fort Worth. 

Raiola begins her coaching career after spending a year as a graduate manager with Nebraska, working with recruiting for the football team, where her brother, Dylan, is currently the starting quarterback.