University of Toledo Introduces Brian Wright as New Volleyball Coach
Journey to Toledo
Last Thursday, at Savage Arena, the University of Toledo officially introduced Brian Wright as the new head coach of the Rockets volleyball team in an exciting press conference. This event not only marked a turning point in Wright’s career but also opened a new chapter for volleyball at Toledo.
Brian Wright is no stranger to the volleyball world. Prior to joining Toledo, he gained extensive coaching experience at Ohio State, Texas Christian, and Texas. He also contributed at the club level, making 14 appearances with the USA Junior National Team. These experiences have equipped Wright with a solid foundation to take on the role of head coach at Toledo.
Wright’s Vision for the Volleyball Program
During the introduction, Wright expressed his desire to find a place to develop a volleyball program. He shared, “I want to be part of something bigger—a university that wants to grow and a community that wants to play better volleyball. That’s Toledo.” Wright’s vision extends beyond just winning matches; he aims to build a strong volleyball culture both at the university and within the community.
The Eighth Head Coach in History
Brian Wright becomes the eighth head coach in the history of the University of Toledo’s volleyball program. He replaces Jason Oliver, who moved to the Pro Volleyball Federation’s Grand Rapids Rise as an assistant coach. This transition is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team and help them achieve greater success in the future.
Rocket Team Performance
Last fall, the Rockets volleyball team concluded the season with a 10-8 record in the Mid-American Conference, finishing sixth in the standings. With an overall record of 17-15, it wasn’t a bad season, but Wright believes it’s time for the team to take more solid steps forward. “This is the right time for volleyball to take the next step,” he said.
Creating the Best Competitive Environment
Wright emphasized the importance of creating the best competitive environment at Savage Arena. “This city has the capacity to support women’s sports, and we will play good volleyball,” he remarked. His excitement in expressing these thoughts shows he’s ready to create an exciting team and provide a great experience for fans.
High Praise from the athletic director
University of Toledo Athletic Director, Bryan Blair, pointed out that Wright’s efforts at both the university and club levels, particularly in recruiting, made him a compelling candidate for the Rockets. Throughout his career, Wright has coached 36 players selected for the university’s national team, including five at Ohio State. This demonstrates his ability to develop young talent.
Developing Young Talent
Bryan Blair highlighted the importance of developing young talent in volleyball. “From our first conversation, we could clearly see that Brian shares our vision for Toledo volleyball and how it can positively impact the university and our Northwest Ohio community,” he said. This reflects that Wright is not just a coach but also an inspiration for younger generations.
Growth of Women’s Volleyball
The popularity of women’s volleyball is growing at a rapid pace. Wright is well aware of this and believes that Toledo volleyball has a bright future ahead. With support from the leadership and the community, he is confident in his ability to build a strong program that can compete with top teams in the region.
Brian Wright is not only focused on developing the volleyball program but also on building a close relationship with the community. He understands that support from fans and the community is vital for the success of the team. “I want to be part of a community that wants to grow,” he shared.
Goal to Put Toledo on the Volleyball Map
Wright has a clear goal: to turn Toledo into a volleyball city. “I think we can do something really special here,” he said. With determination and a forward-thinking vision, Wright is working towards building a sustainable volleyball program that can compete at the highest level.
A New Beginning for Toledo Volleyball
Brian Wright officially joins the University of Toledo with high expectations and challenges. The support from the leadership, community, and fans will be the driving force for him to achieve big goals. With his experience and passion, Wright hopes to elevate Toledo volleyball to new heights, solidifying the team’s place in the region and nationally. Fans can look forward to exciting things that the Rockets volleyball team will bring in the upcoming season!
