UT-Dallas (Marci Allison Stepping Down)

It’s rare to get news that makes you both happy and sad at the same time, but that is the case in this instance. UT-Dallas Head Coach Marci Allison is stepping down from the Volleyball Head Coach position to take an administrative role with the university. (Sad!) She has been named the Interim Associate Directory of Athletics. Long-time assistant, Zach Villarreal, has been named the Interim Head Coach. (Happy!)

Marci and Zach have been on the UT-Dallas volleyball court since day 1 when the program was created. During that time, they have produced a volleyball program that is consistently one of the best in the nation. Coach Allison will end with a record of 419-144, which includes 7 ASC championships and 8 NCAA Tournament appearances. Coach Allison also has earned 10 ASC Coach of the Year and two AVCA Region Coach of the Year Awards. She has coached 4 AVCA All-Americans during her time with the program.

Coach Villarreal shares those honors every step of the way and I’m so excited for the chance he’s being given with the program he obviously loves.

On a personal level, both Marci and Zach have been very kind to me over the years and, while I’ll miss my interaction with Marci (“No, I can’t tell you who our recruits are until we announce them!”), I’m excited to see Zach take the reigns and continue on what he and Marci started. I do want to mention to Zach that Marci has said that I don’t have to pay admission to matches anymore so I’m assuming that will continue. 😉