COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – January 6, 2025 – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the appointment of Erik Sullivan as the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sullivan, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience at the women’s collegiate level, succeeds Karch Kiraly, who led the team to three Olympic medals and a World Championship title. Sullivan takes the reins at a critical time, with the first serve for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League season set to begin on June 4 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
The search for the new head coach began with a clear sense of urgency. “With the Women’s National Team season set to begin in less than six months, we knew we had to move quickly but thoughtfully,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “It was critical that we made the right decision, but we also had to act expeditiously to give the new coach enough time to get to know the team, develop a game plan, and integrate seamlessly into the program.”
As part of the hiring process, USA Volleyball prioritized candidates with the unique skillset required to lead at the international level. “The role of National Team head coach is unlike any other coaching position,” Speraw said. “It’s not about recruiting or fundraising—it’s about elite-level strategy, understanding the nuances of international competition, and managing a high-performance environment. We needed someone who could hit the ground running and bring that specific expertise, and Erik was the clear choice.”
Sullivan’s reputation as a master of defensive systems, his ability to develop top-tier talent, and his experience in high-pressure environments made him the ideal candidate to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team. For the past 14 years, he has served as associate head coach at the University of Texas, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Longhorns to eight NCAA Final Four appearances and three national titles.
“We were also focused on how well the new coach would align with the team’s established dynamics,” Speraw added. “The U.S. Women’s National Team is a close-knit group with a history of collaboration and success. Cultural fit was a non-negotiable factor for us. We needed a coach who could integrate seamlessly into this dynamic and continue to build on the team’s established culture of excellence, and Erik’s coaching philosophy and values align perfectly with that.”
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.
“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 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 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.
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