INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University Head Volleyball Coach Hillary Hurley will pursue a new coaching opportunity at a Division I program this upcoming season. She departs with a heavy heart after an outstanding first season as a head coach.

"On behalf of WVSU Athletics, I want to extend our deepest appreciation to Hillary for her remarkable leadership of our volleyball program," stated Athletic Director Nate Burton. "She brought an energy and a passion to her profession that was unmatched. There is no doubt that she will carry that same unmatched energy and passion with her wherever her coaching career takes her. We wish her the best in her future endeavors."

Hurley was announced as the Head Volleyball Coach at West Virginia State in late January of 2023. She led the Yellow Jackets to a 26-6 overall record and a 14-1 record in league play. She reached the finals of the Mountain East Conference Tournament, a feat only accomplished once before in school history, in her debut season. Furthermore, WVSU qualified for the NCAA Division II Volleyball Championship for the fourth time in program history under her guidance.

The West Virginia State volleyball team won its third MEC South Division title under Hurley and hosted the 2023 MEC Volleyball Tournament as the institution with the best record against conference opponents at the conclusion of the regular season. She was named the Mountain East Conference's Coach of the Year and helped four of her players to All-MEC honors. A total of 22 of her student-athletes earned a 3.0 GPA or better during the fall 2023 semester.

"West Virginia State University will always hold a special place in my heart, though my stay here was short I will forever be grateful for the opportunity WVSU has given me," said Hurley. "Nate Burton took a chance on a young coach and, for his trust and guidance, I can't say thank you enough. 

"To President Cage and the university staff, thank you for allowing me to grow and call WVSU home. To my team, I love you and will forever consider you all to be my family. I couldn't have asked for a better team and staff for my first year as a head coach. You will all go on to do great things and I can't wait to watch you all thrive." 

The search for a new head volleyball coach at West Virginia State will begin immediately. The WVSU volleyball program boasts three MEC South Division titles and two NCAA DII Tournament appearances in the past four years.