This year Averett University has added a new volleyball head coach, Olivia Earls.

Earls graduated from Northside High School in 2014. She continued her volleyball and academic career at Roanoke College where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Physical Education in the Fall of 2017. After she pursued a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership at the University of Charleston where she was a graduate assistant coach for their Division II program until she graduated in 2019.

  “I am most excited to watch the girls flourish in a tougher conference and to watch their confidence grow with each match,” Coach Earls said. “This team is special. Their competitive nature, their support for one another, and the culture we have created together makes me very excited for the season ahead.”

With Coach Earls having six years of experience in the ODAC, the Cougars have prepared for this coming season strategizing on offense and defense. Earls has seen and been in the competition ahead making it easier for the players to grow confidence on the court. 

 “The mindset of having something to prove as we transition into the ODAC is a huge motivator for this group, and I see it daily during practice and even during our opening weekend against non-ODAC opponents,” Coach Earls said. “The girls are working harder every day in order to prepare for the ODAC level competition on a consistent basis.”

The students are excited to have someone with Earls’ ODAC experience leading the team.

 “Having Coach Earl’s experience in the ODAC has definitely helped our team with confidence and the way we play,” Kayleigh Gentry, a sophomore defensive specialist, said. “This year I’m most excited about the new competition in the ODAC, having Olivia as our new coach, and the freshman class.”

Earls is looking forward to competing as a coach in her former conference.

“Moving into the ODAC is a huge opportunity for Averett Athletics, especially for Averett volleyball. I am excited to work with this group of talented young women and an exceptional athletic department to show everyone we belong here, we will compete and we will find success.”

The Cougar’s first conference game will be at Hollins University on September 5th at 7pm.