COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 5, 2025) – A powerhouse trio of coaches—Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Mike Wall and Brandon Taliaferro—will join new head coach Erik Sullivan to guide the U.S. Women’s National Team on its journey to the LA 2028 Olympics.
“This is an exciting time for USA Volleyball as we continue building toward the LA 2028 Olympics,” said Erik Sullivan, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. “Tayyiba, Mike and Brandon bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for the game that will help elevate our program and prepare our athletes for success on the world stage.”
Tayyiba Haneef-Park
A three-time Olympian and two-time silver medalist (Beijing 2008, London 2012), Haneef-Park brings firsthand Olympic experience and a winning mentality to her new role. She’s built an impressive coaching résumé, most recently earning 2024 Coach of the Year honors as head coach of the Pro Volleyball Federation’s San Diego Mojo.
Her coaching career includes assistant roles at the University of Oregon and the University of Arizona, as well as extensive experience with USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program. Last year, she was an assistant coach with the U.S. Women’s National Team that won silver at the NORCECA Pan Am Cup and NORCECA Final 6. In 2019, she led the U.S. Women to gold at the NORCECA Champions Cup. She was also an assistant coach with the U.S. Women’s Collegiate Team from 2021-2023.
Haneef-Park was an All-American as an outside hitter at Long Beach State, leading the 49ers to the 2001 title match. She also spent several years playing professionally overseas.
Her understanding of high-performance training and international competition will be key in preparing the U.S. for LA 2028.
“I fell in love with the Olympics in the Los Angeles 1984 Games,” Haneef-Park said. “One of the greatest honors of my life has been to represent USA on that stage. I am deeply humbled and excited to work with Erik in this full circle moment and be a part of a podium push with this incredible staff and team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
Mike Wall
Wall returns to USA Volleyball after serving as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team, first as a full-time assistant from 2013 to 2021 and then as a consultant coach through 2024.
He helped lead the team to major podium finishes, including bronze medals at the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as gold medals at the 2014 World League and 2015 World Cup.
Wall has also held coaching roles at the collegiate level, including as an assistant for the women’s volleyball teams at Arizona State and Utah, where he played a key role in player development and team success.
Wall was an All-American at BYU as an outside hitter/opposite, leading the Cougars to national titles in 1999 and 2001.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to USA Volleyball full time,” Wall said. “My family and I have had many special memories over the past 12 years with the U.S. Men’s Team, and we look forward to this new chapter with the U.S. Women. I’m excited to go through the LA 2028 journey with Erik, Brandon and Tayyiba and look forward to getting back in the gym.”
Brandon Taliaferro
A UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and two-time NCAA national champion as a setter, Brandon Taliaferro brings a deep understanding of elite-level play and coaching.
As an assistant coach with the UCLA men’s volleyball team, he most recently helped guide the Bruins to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024. Internationally, he played a key role in leading the U.S. Men’s National Team to gold at the 2023 NORCECA Pan American Cup Final 6 as an assistant coach. He also co-founded the 949 Athletics Volleyball Club.
As a player, Taliaferro competed with the U.S. Men’s National Team from 2001-2003 and from 2006-2008, and he was an alternate for the 2008 Olympic Team.
With extensive experience in player development, Taliaferro will be invaluable in shaping the future of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to join Erik and USA Volleyball as we prepare for LA28,” Taliaferro said. “Being part of the storied history and remarkable legacy of the U.S. Women’s National Team is a true privilege. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this program, working alongside some of the best athletes in the world who embody the excellence and passion that define our sport. One point at a time. Go USA!”