top of page

Wright Introduced as Head Women's Volleyball Coach

Writer's picture: Lindsey KnightLindsey Knight

Updated: 24 hours ago


Brian Wright was officially introduced as the University of Toledo’s head women’s volleyball coach at a press conference in Savage Arena the afternoon of Jan. 16. He replaces Jason Oliver, who joined the Pro Volleyball Federation’s Grand Rapids Rise as an offensive coordinator.


Oliver took over as head coach in 2018 with a program that only had two winning records in the previous eight seasons. In 2021, he led the Rockets to a 20-13 record, their most wins in 38 years, and earned the program’s first appearance at the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC).


Wright is now the eighth women’s volleyball head coach in program history, coming to Toledo following time spent as an assistant coach at Ohio State, Texas Christian, and Texas. He has also coached at the club level, with 14 USA Junior National appearances on his resume.


"I wanted to find a place where I can grow the program and do more with the program, but I wanted to be a part of something bigger," said Wright. "I wanted to be a part of a university that wants to grow and a community that wants to grow and get better at volleyball. That is Toledo. I think we can do something really special here and make Toledo a volleyball city and a volleyball school. I know with the time we put in, we can get the program there.”


Prior to coming to Toledo, Wright spent 17 seasons coaching at the NCAA Division I level and has been to 13 NCAA Tournaments. He has been to 10 Sweet Sixteens, eight Elite Eights, and six Final Fours, and was part of the Texas NCAA Championship team in 2012.


Wright announced on Jan. 14 that current assistant coaches Bethany Lokken and Jordan Armstrong will remain on the coaching staff.


Lokken is entering her tenth season with the Rockets. She is responsible for the middle blockers and manages the team's serving and blocking during the matches. When off the court, Lokken coordinates Toledo's recruiting and oversees the team's community service efforts.


Armstrong will begin his second seasons with the Rockets. He works with setters and oversees the offense while assisting with recruiting.


"It's the right time for volleyball to take the next steps,” said Wright. “This city has the ability to support women's sports, and for three and a half months we are playing in Savage Arena. We'll play good volleyball and have a lot of fun doing it. We will have a great team to watch and will put on the best game-day environment in the MAC. We can't wait to get in front of our fans."

4 views
The Collegian Logo

The Collegian

The Student Newspaper of The University of Toledo

The Collegian

Student Newspaper of The University of Toledo

Stay in Touch!

Thanks for submitting!

© 2025 The Collegian. All Rights Reserved

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • Facebook
bottom of page