The History of Michigan Wolverines Women's Volleyball
The Michigan Wolverines women's volleyball team proudly represents the University of Michigan in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. Since its inception in 1973, the program has a rich history, marked by changes in leadership, facility upgrades, and evolving levels of national prominence.
Program Establishment and Early Years
The women's volleyball program at the University of Michigan began in 1973. Sandy Vong was the first head coach of the Michigan Wolverines women's volleyball program. He held the position for 11 years from 1973 to 1983. During the eight years from 1984 to 1991, the Michigan women's volleyball program had three head coaches: Barb Canning (1984-1985), Joyce Davis (1986-1989), and Peggy Bradley-Doppes (1990-1991). In 1992, Peggy Bradley-Doppes stepped down as Michigan's head volleyball coach to focus on her duties as the school's women's athletic director.
The Mark Rosen Era
Mark Rosen was hired as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines women's volleyball team in 1999. He had previously been a volleyball coach at Cal State Bakersfield (1992-93), Northern Michigan University (1994-97) and Boise State University (1998). Since taking over the program, Rosen has led the Wolverines to national prominence. In 2009, Rosen's team compiled a 27-10 record and defeated No.
Facility Upgrades
Since 1989, the team has played its home matches at Cliff Keen Arena located on Hoover Street in the school's athletic campus between the Administration Building and the Intramural Building. The facility has a seating capacity of 1,800 and is also used by Michigan's men's gymnastics and wrestling teams.
Notable Achievements and All-American Honors
In 2003, Erin Moore became the first Michigan volleyball player to be selected as an All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). In 2009, Lexi Zimmerman became Michigan's first player to receive first-team All-America honors.
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South American Tour
In June 2013, the Michigan women's volleyball team toured Argentina and Brazil and played 10 matches against local teams. The Wolverines compiled a 9-1 record on their South American tour.
Coaching Changes
The Michigan women's volleyball team has had six head coaches since it was established in 1973. On January 17, 2023, Erin Virtue was hired as the head coach to replace Rosen. Prior to Michigan, Virtue was the offensive coordinator for the United States women's national volleyball team, and the director of the USA National Team Development Program.
Individual Match Records
- Match: Paige Jones (37) vs.
- Match: Lexi Erwin - 87 vs.
- Match: Jacque Boney - .813 vs.
- Match: Linnea Mendoza - 95 vs.
- Match: Jayne Hickman - 43 vs.
- Match: Kim Clover - 14 vs.
- Match: Alex Hunt - 9 vs.
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