Felicia Turner’s Move to Vanderbilt Signals Rising Trend in Volleyball Coaching Carousel
Felicia Turner has stepped down as head coach of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) volleyball team to become the offensive coordinator for Vanderbilt volleyball, a move announced earlier this week. This transition, while specific to these programs, reflects a broader trend of increased movement and opportunity within collegiate volleyball coaching ranks.
From Head Coach to Power-Five Coordinator: A Strategic Shift
Turner’s departure after three seasons at UNCG, where she achieved a 17-12 record in 2025 and the program’s first winning season since 2021, highlights a growing pattern. Coaches who build successful programs at mid-major institutions are increasingly being recruited by Power Five conference schools for specialized roles. This isn’t simply about higher salaries; it’s about the appeal of working with greater resources and competing at the highest level.
During her tenure at UNCG, Turner’s teams earned nine Southern Conference (SoCon) Player of the Week accolades and five All-SoCon selections, including Allie Sweet being named the 2024 SoCon Freshman of the Year. This success clearly caught the attention of Vanderbilt head coach Anders Nelson, who cited Turner’s ability to develop athletes as a key factor in his decision.
The Rise of Specialized Coaching Roles
The creation of the offensive coordinator position at Vanderbilt, and similar roles at other programs, demonstrates a shift towards more specialized coaching structures. Historically, head coaches often oversaw all aspects of the game. Now, programs are recognizing the value of bringing in experts to focus on specific areas, like offense, defense, or recruiting. This trend mirrors developments in other sports, such as football and basketball, where specialized coaching is commonplace.
Impact on Mid-Major Programs
While the movement of coaches to Power Five schools can be seen as a positive for the individuals involved, it presents challenges for mid-major programs like UNCG. Losing a successful head coach requires a period of rebuilding and can disrupt program momentum. UNCG has named Assistant Coach Trent Dunahoo as Interim Head Coach, providing a degree of continuity, but finding a permanent replacement will be crucial.
Brian Mackin, UNCG Director of Athletics, acknowledged Turner’s contributions, stating the athletic department is “thankful for Felicia’s leadership” and wishes her “continued success.” This sentiment underscores the bittersweet nature of these transitions – recognizing the coach’s achievements while facing the reality of their departure.
What This Means for the Future of Collegiate Volleyball
The trend of coaches moving from mid-major head coaching positions to Power Five coordinator roles is likely to continue. As collegiate athletics becomes increasingly competitive, programs will continue to seek out specialized expertise to gain an edge. This will create a more dynamic coaching landscape, with increased opportunities for career advancement but also greater challenges for maintaining stability at mid-major institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does an offensive coordinator do in volleyball?
A: An offensive coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing the team’s offensive strategy, including play calling, hitter training, and offensive system design.
Q: Is this a common move for volleyball coaches?
A: While not always frequent, We see becoming increasingly common for successful mid-major head coaches to be recruited for specialized roles at Power Five programs.
Q: What impact does a coaching change have on a team?
A: Coaching changes can disrupt team dynamics and require a period of adjustment. However, they can also bring fresh perspectives and new opportunities for growth.
Q: Where will Felicia Turner be located?
A: Felicia Turner will be located in Nashville, Tennessee, as she joins the Vanderbilt volleyball staff.
Did you know? Allie Sweet, a sophomore, was named the 2024 SoCon Freshman of the Year under Turner’s leadership at UNCG.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on coaching changes within collegiate volleyball – they often signal shifts in program strategy and potential recruiting impacts.
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