Texas VB assistant name Women’s National Team Head Coach Volleyball’s Erik Sullivan named U.S. Women’s National Team

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Volleyball’s Erik Sullivan named U.S. Women’s National Team Head Coach

The longtime Texas associate head coach tabbed to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team.

01.06.2025

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AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Volleyball Associate Head Coach Erik Sullivan has been named the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, USA Volleyball announced on Monday. The search for Sullivan's replacement will begin immediately.

Sullivan completed his 14th season on the Texas Volleyball coaching staff in 2024, where he worked with the liberos and middle blockers, while developing Texas' team defensive systems and scouting reports. 

In his 14 seasons with the Longhorns, Sullivan helped the program compile 368 total wins, 12 Conference Championships, eight NCAA Final Four appearances, 12 NCAA Regional Final ("Elite 8") appearances and the 2012, 2022 and 2023 National Championships.

"I'm honored and excited to take on this new responsibility as head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team," said Sullivan. "Karch Kiraly has left an incredible legacy, and I'm committed to continuing the work he has done with this amazing team. My goal is to build on a strong foundation and create an environment where our athletes can develop to their fullest potential while competing at the highest level. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of athletes as we prepare for the challenges ahead."

Sullivan brings more than just a proven track record in collegiate volleyball—he has firsthand experience on the international stage. A two-time Olympian, he represented the U.S. as a libero in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. His international playing career, which also included stints in professional leagues across Europe and the U.S., has given him a deep understanding of the global volleyball landscape and the demands of international competition. 

Sullivan served as the team leader for the U.S. Men's National Team at the last three Olympic Games and has been a consultant coach for the squad for many years. He's also part of the National Team Development Program Scouting Network for indoor girls. In 2011, he led the U.S. Women's Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the World Championship. His collegiate coaching experience also includes time as an assistant coach at both Nebraska and Colorado.  

"I'm thrilled that Erik Sullivan will be the next head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team," said two-time Olympian and Longhorn legend Chiaka Ogbogu. "The team will continue its tradition of being led by a world-class coach, and Erik's experience as an Olympian will be invaluable. The volleyball knowledge I gained from him continues to shape my game, but the leadership lessons he taught me—about upholding a gold-medal standard—are what I'm most grateful for." 

Sullivan will assume the role in preparation for the upcoming international season, with a primary focus on building toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He will work closely with the team and the coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition and continued success on the international stage. 
 

[Burnt Orange Horn]

 

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Volleyball Associate Head Coach Erik Sullivan has been named the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, USA Volleyball announced on Monday. The search for Sullivan's replacement will begin immediately.

Sullivan completed his 14th season on the Texas Volleyball coaching staff in 2024, where he worked with the liberos and middle blockers, while developing Texas' team defensive systems and scouting reports. 

In his 14 seasons with the Longhorns, Sullivan helped the program compile 368 total wins, 12 Conference Championships, eight NCAA Final Four appearances, 12 NCAA Regional Final ("Elite 8") appearances and the 2012, 2022 and 2023 National Championships.

"I'm honored and excited to take on this new responsibility as head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team," said Sullivan. "Karch Kiraly has left an incredible legacy, and I'm committed to continuing the work he has done with this amazing team. My goal is to build on a strong foundation and create an environment where our athletes can develop to their fullest potential while competing at the highest level. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of athletes as we prepare for the challenges ahead."

Sullivan brings more than just a proven track record in collegiate volleyball—he has firsthand experience on the international stage. A two-time Olympian, he represented the U.S. as a libero in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. His international playing career, which also included stints in professional leagues across Europe and the U.S., has given him a deep understanding of the global volleyball landscape and the demands of international competition. 

Sullivan served as the team leader for the U.S. Men's National Team at the last three Olympic Games and has been a consultant coach for the squad for many years. He's also part of the National Team Development Program Scouting Network for indoor girls. In 2011, he led the U.S. Women's Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the World Championship. His collegiate coaching experience also includes time as an assistant coach at both Nebraska and Colorado.  

"I'm thrilled that Erik Sullivan will be the next head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team," said two-time Olympian and Longhorn legend Chiaka Ogbogu. "The team will continue its tradition of being led by a world-class coach, and Erik's experience as an Olympian will be invaluable. The volleyball knowledge I gained from him continues to shape my game, but the leadership lessons he taught me—about upholding a gold-medal standard—are what I'm most grateful for." 

Sullivan will assume the role in preparation for the upcoming international season, with a primary focus on building toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He will work closely with the team and the coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition and continued success on the international stage.