TOLEDO, Ohio – Head Women's Volleyball Coach Brian Wright announced on Tuesday that current assistant coaches Bethany Lokken and Jordan Armstrong will remain on the Rockets' coaching staff.

Wright said he chose Lokken and Armstrong from among a large pool of candidates that included top assistants from across the country.

"I am ecstatic that both Bethany and Jordan will be staying with the Rocket Volleyball program," said Wright, who assumed the head coaching position on Dec. 26. "Throughout the interview process, it was very clear how aligned we all were in values and goals. They each are ultimate professionals, extremely organized, and excellent communicators in everything they do. Most importantly, they are also loved by the entire team and incoming recruits, which is the highest possible compliment. I'm pumped to start this journey together as we push for the next few big steps forward for Toledo Volleyball!"
 
Lokken, who will be entering her 10^th season with the Rockets, is responsible for the middle blockers and helps manage the team's serving and blocking during matches. In 2021, the Rockets had their best-ever blocking season, setting school records and leading the conference in total blocks (287.5) and blocks per set (2.42). With Lokken on staff, the Rockets earned four consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournament berths and reached postseason action in three of the past four seasons. Off the court, Lokken coordinates Toledo's recruiting efforts and equipment needs while overseeing the team's community service efforts.

"I want to thank Brian Wright for this amazing opportunity," said Lokken. "I'm thrilled to build on the past success as we work to take the program to new heights. I love being a Toledo Rocket and know firsthand what a special place this is. It's a privilege to continue working with these student-athletes at a university and within a community that I call home."

Lokken, a Beaver Dam, Wis. native, came to Toledo after serving as an assistant coach at Gardner-Webb for five seasons and Central Michigan for two years. She was a four-year letterwinner at Gardner-Webb as a middle blocker and finished her career with the Gardner-Webb record in blocks (228).

"Bethany has been here for nine years and the program has made massive strides in every way throughout her time at Toledo," said Wright. "Her ability to continually recruit and attract top talent and amazing people to Toledo Volleyball is unmatched. She loves and cares for the players, the program and the entire community."

Armstrong begins his second season with the Rockets. He oversees the team offensive system and works with setters while assisting with recruiting efforts. In his debut season with the Rockets, Armstrong helped Toledo reach the 2024 National Invitational Volleyball Championship.

"It is truly energizing to continue to be a part of the volleyball program, the athletic department, the University and the Toledo community," said Armstrong. "Being able to hit the ground running alongside Brian and Beth will only further the upward trajectory of Toledo Volleyball.  I am deeply appreciative of the continued support from our student-athletes, colleagues, family, and friends."
 
"Jordan has been here for just 12 months now but has already created amazing connections with the players, on and off the court," said Wright. "He is an excellent teacher of the game, very analytical and organized, and also ready to teach life lessons every time a student-athlete walks into the office."
 
Prior to his role at Toledo, Armstrong was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville from 2019-24, as well as an assistant coach at Akron from 2016-19. Armstrong was a recipient of the American Volleyball Coaches Association's "30 Under 30" Award in 2023 and has coached for USA Volleyball National Team Development Programs.

Armstrong, a Burnt Hills, N.Y. native, graduated from Purdue Fort Wayne in 2015 where he served as a team captain on the men's volleyball team as a senior. He earned his master's degree in sport administration and leadership from Akron in 2018.

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