ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup Athletics is pleased to announce Kyle Steele as the next head coach of the women's volleyball program. Steele comes to Jessup after a highly successful run leading the men's volleyball team at OUAZ.
 
"I'm excited to be a part of Jessup and the culture," said Steele on coming to Jessup. "I'm also excited to be a part of the PacWest and expound on my experience as a volleyball coach in the NCAA."
 
The excitement was shared by Vice President of Athletics, Lance Von Vogt, who added, "Kyle's purpose, faith, character, family values, experience, and volleyball coaching acumen are second to none. He was the unanimous selection from our committee and administrative team to lead both our women's volleyball program as well as launch our men's volleyball program."
 
Since taking over the reins as head coach of the OUAZ men's volleyball program in 2017, the Spirit has become one of the most dominant programs in the NAIA. The Spirit are currently ranked No. 4 in the nation and have qualified for the NAIA National Tournament in back-to-back seasons.
 
But it will be more than a successful team Steele will be leaving, as he also steps away from a university filled with family. Steele's father, Kevin, is the Director of Athletics, and his step-mom, Kristin, is head coach of the women's volleyball team. "My family ties to the athletic department make it tough to part ways. But seeing the direction the athletic department has been heading these last couple of years makes this move exciting for me."
 
OUAZ has won 93 games entering the 2024 season under Steele. He joined the university after spending three seasons as the head women's volleyball coach for Oklahoma City University, where he guided the Starts to a 73-25 record and a Sooner Athletic Conference Championship. He has totaled 166 wins as a collegiate head coach entering this season.
 
The success seen on the court in Surprise and OKC is one Steele will look to bring to Rocklin as he takes over a program bound for NCAA Division II and the PacWest Conference. "It's going to be exciting to see the growth of our volleyball programs under his direction as we look to become a flagship NCAA Division II program moving forward," added Von Vogt.
 
Jessup is coming off their second consecutive trip to the GSAC Tournament, one they left as champions of in 2022 on Steele's home court at OUAZ. The Warriors then went on the NAIA Opening Round for the first time, as they saw their season end in five sets to Southern Oregon.
 
But it will not just be women's volleyball that Steele will be tasked to lead, as he is also coming to Jessup as the interim men's volleyball coach.
 
Von Vogt added his comments on Steele coming in to lead both programs. "Initially, we didn't set out to have one coach lead both programs, but as we went through the process it became evident that this was the right move for us with the right person at the helm. Kyle fits exactly what we were looking for, and he is going to provide an elite experience for the student-athletes within our program."
 
Jessup announced last year that men's volleyball will be coming to the university as its 17th varsity program. The Warriors will play their first official match inside Warrior Arena in the spring of 2025, leading to recruiting for the first-year program as one of the first tasks Steele will be tabbed with when he begins his tenure.
 
It will be the second time in Steele's career that he takes over a brand-new program, as his first season in Surprise was also year one of the men's volleyball program.
 
On stepping in to lead a brand-new program, Steele added, "There are going to be some very tough challenges ahead. However, I think this will make for an awesome environment for Jessup. I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead, knowing it will be a tough road."
 
Jessup University will officially begin NCAA Division II in the fall of 2024 and will be eligible for NCAA postseason competition in the 2026 season.
   
Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).