Brian Wright - Women's Volleyball Coach - University of Toledo Athletics

Photo by: Bree Bee

Brian Wright

Title:
Head Women's Volleyball Coach
Email:
brian.wright2@utoledo.edu
Phone:
419-530-7740

Brian Wright was hired as the Rockets' head women's volleyball coach on Dec. 26, 2024. Wright takes over as the eighth head coach in program history, following stops at Ohio State, TCU and Texas.

In his first season at the helm of the Rockets, Wright led the team to its first ever Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship. The team entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed and took down the No. 5 seed Miami, 3-2, in the quarterfinals before upsetting No. 1 seeded Ball State in five sets, 3-2. Toledo met No. 2 seed Western Michigan in the championship match and earned a 3-1 victory to earn their first trophy and the program's first NCAA Tournament berth. Freshman Jessica Costlow was named the MAC Tournament MVP as Grace Freiberger and Kelsey Smith earned All-Tournament Team accolades.

In 2025, the Rockets led the country in service aces (261) and ranked 15th nationally in opponent hitting percentage (.167). Senior setter Kelsey Smith was the only player in the country to tally 1,250 assists, 350 digs and 125 kills. Sophomore libero Grace Freiberger was the only player in the nation to record over 620 digs and 50 service aces. Freiberger also set a new single season digs record of 626 while redshirt sophomore middle blocker Sierra Pertzborn broke the single season program record for blocks (139) and blocks/set (1.11).

Five Rockets earned postseason accolades following the 2025 regular season, a mark which tied the program best. Freiberger became the first player in program history to be named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in addition to All-MAC First Team honors. Sophomore Olivia Heitkamp and Kelsey Smith also earned All-MAC First Team accolades. Sierra Pertzborn earned All-MAC Second Team honors while Jessica Costlow was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team.

Wright led the team to a 23-11 (11-7 MAC) record during his first season, becoming the first head coach in program history to win 20-plus matches in their first season. The 23 total wins are the second-most in team history, ranking behind the 1983 squad who won 27 matches. The .676 winning percentage is also the best mark in UT's history.

UT also led the MAC in attendance during the 2025 season, averaging 1,357 fans per game. The ranking is the best in program history. The Rockets also set a single match attendance record with 2,251 fans at the Oct. 7, 2025 victory over Bowling Green.

Wright comes to Toledo after serving as an assistant coach at Ohio State for five seasons. He also has held assistant coaching positions at TCU (2015-20), Texas (2008-14) and Southwestern University (2007).

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

Wright helped coach 36 student-athletes to All-America selections, including five AVCA All-Americans in his time at Ohio State. Additionally, Wright oversaw 19 athletes who earned All-Big Ten postseason selections highlighted by the 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 Big Ten Setter of the Year and 2020 Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

At TCU, Wright led the team defensive systems, scouting reports and middle blockers. During the 2015 season, TCU finished the season ranked No. 7 in the nation in total blocks.

Wright's club teams qualified to USA Junior Nationals 14 times and won three national qualifiers. He won a silver medal at the 2014 AAU National Championships and had three players named to the AAU All-American team. Wright also has served as a head coach and assistant coach on various USA Volleyball teams and National Team Development Programs (NTDP). He was an assistant coach for the USA Junior National Team in 2016 that won a Silver Medal at NORCECA's and his 2013 Youth Continental team won Gold at the HP Championships.

Wright earned his bachelor's degree from Texas State in 2010.

What They're Saying About Brian Wright

"Toledo got a good one! Brian is poised and ready to be an excellent leader of his own program. His insight into the game and ability to make connections will have an immediate impact. We will miss him in Columbus, but I wish him nothing but the best as the next head coach of Toledo Volleyball!"

Jen Flynn Oldenburg, Ohio State Women's Volleyball Head Coach

"The University of Toledo hit the jackpot with the hiring of Brian Wright as their newest head volleyball coach! Brian has a brilliant volleyball mind, but more importantly, cares deeply about the development of his student-athletes both on and off the court. He is a highly respected member of the volleyball community, not only by his peers, but also within the club world, and the parents of the young women he has coached over the years. I am so excited to watch this program grow and flourish under his guidance!"

Salima Rockwell, Notre Dame Women's Volleyball Head Coach

"Brian has my full and enthusiastic support as he takes on the role of head coach for Toledo women's volleyball. The integrity, leadership, and work ethic he has demonstrated throughout his career are second to none. The lessons that I have learned working alongside Brian have continued to impact me to this day, and his passion and innovative approach to coaching are truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud of what he has accomplished and the example he sets for everyone around him. The student-athletes at Toledo are fortunate to have a mentor and leader like Brian. To their families, I can confidently say that I would be thrilled to have my own children be coached by him. I can think of no higher endorsement."

Trent Kersten, Loyola Marymount Women's Volleyball Head Coach

"Brian is one of my all-time favorite coaches I have had. His devotion, love, and passion for the game is unmatched and truly changes the lives of those around him. He deeply cares about each of his players and supporting staff which allows everyone to perform at their highest level. Brian is also one of the smartest and most strategic coaches I have ever had. He constantly is a student of the game and will continue to push his team to achieve greatness. I am so excited and happy to see all the success that Brian brings to this program! He is truly one of the best!"

Gabby Gonzales, former Ohio State outside hitter (2019-22), current PVF player for Indy Ignite

"Brian is truly a one-of-a-kind coach. It's hard to find a coach who is so passionate and determined to not only impact you as a player, but as a person. Throughout my time playing for him, there was never a time he doubted me or wasn't pushing me to be the best version of myself both physically and mentally. He created such a positive, motivating environment for athletes that is invaluable. He is determined to have that trust and respect with every player he coaches which you don't find everywhere. He truly cares so much about everyone around him. My favorite thing about Brian is his love for the game. He is constantly learning. He is always looking to improve and become the best teacher he can be, which makes him so special and successful. It was a privilege to have Brian as a coach."

Kylie Murr, former Ohio State player (2019-22), 2022 Big Ten Defensive Player of the year, current PVF player with Indy Ignite

"BW is one of the best of the best! I remember his first words to our team were about how invested he was in being a teacher first. We each had to come up with a word to describe our season and his was "Teacher." That encompasses him as a coach and a person! He's so invested in his people and celebrates the little wins teaching his players!"

Mac Podraza, former player at Ohio State (2019-22), 2022 Big Ten Setter of the Year, current PVF Omaha Supernovas player

"I have known Brian Wright for 23 years. His knowledge of the game goes further than a deep understanding of tactics, technique, and strategy. Brian has the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide those around him to be a part of something far bigger than himself and the game itself. He has the ability to change the direction of a program and inspire collegiate athletes beyond their dedicated years at the university. He is exactly what every player and program needs. Brian will be able to identify and attract top talent, building a roster that has a competitive edge. He will have a hand up in the state of Texas and the Midwest due to his ties and championship experience. I have no doubt the relationships he has built over the decade will allow him the ability to recruit anywhere in the country the top talent needed to take his program to the next level. People believe in Brian, and I am confident he will build an outstanding program built with a reputation that people will want to be a part of."