SALT LAKE CITY—
Alyssa D’Errico has been named head coach of the Utah volleyball program, Director of Athletics
Mark Harlan announced today. D’Errico, who has served as the Utes’ associate head coach for the past three seasons, becomes just the sixth head coach in program history, succeeding 36-year head coach
Beth Launiere who announced her retirement earlier today.
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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