Shannon Wells, previous associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Florida, will join the Cavaliers as their next head coach, Director of Athletics Carla Williams announced Monday. This announcement comes following last month’s decision to release all members of the volleyball staff due to a “personnel matter.”
Wells has had an illustrious volleyball career thus far — most recently serving as the Gators’ associate head coach for four seasons and their recruiting coordinator for the past seven. During her time at Florida, the team has won 184 out of 217 games and appeared in seven consecutive NCAA tournaments. During the most recent season, the squad went 21-4 overall and 19-3 in the SEC — finishing second in the conference to now-NCAA champion Kentucky.
“I’m so excited to be the head coach of Virginia volleyball and to start building an elite program,” Wells said. “For me, it’s always been about surrounding yourself with the right people and Virginia has some of the best in college athletics.”
A wealth of experience, in addition to her exceptional personal characteristics, backs up the decision to bring Wells to Charlottesville. Before she moved to Gainesville, Fla., Wells spent time on the staff at Ole Miss, Winthrop University, the University of Southern Indiana and Morehead State. She also played collegiate volleyball at Southern Indiana, where she led her team to 87 wins and continues to rank first all-time in the program in service aces and kills.
Additionally, Wells has been inducted into her alma mater’s Hall of Fame and has spent time with many volleyball-related organizations including the American Volleyball Coaches Association Assistant Coaches Committee, the AVCA Board of Directors, the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, The Alliance of Women Coaches and the True North Sports Camp Elevate program.
“[Wells] is a perfect fit for who we are currently and what we aspire to be as a volleyball program,” Williams said. “First, she is an exceptional person and will be a wonderful addition to the U.Va. family. She has excelled at every level as a student-athlete and coach. She is very highly regarded and respected across the country in volleyball.”
After struggling to find direction in previous seasons, the volleyball team is overdue for a refreshing approach. Next fall, Cavalier fans look forward to seeing what Wells is able to do for the program.
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