Story courtesy of Toledo's Athletic Communications Department

TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo Vice President and Director of Athletics Tom Moreland announced the extension of head women's volleyball coach Brian Wright's contract through the 2030 season on Wednesday.

Wright led the women's volleyball program to its first-ever Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament Appearance in 2025. The Rockets posted a 23-11 overall record, the second-most wins in a single season, as Wright became the first coach to total 20-plus wins in their first season on the sidelines. 

"Brian has made an incredible impact on Toledo volleyball in a very short period of time," said Moreland. "Winning the MAC Championship and earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament in his first season was an extraordinary accomplishment, but what excites me most is the culture Brian is building around championship success, academic excellence and developing our student-athletes on and off the court.

"His vision for Toledo Volleyball is ambitious, and we are committed to supporting him as he continues to elevate this program. Brian and his staff have shown that Toledo can compete at the highest level, and I'm excited for what the future holds for Rocket Volleyball."

In his first season at the helm of the Rockets, Wright guided five student-athletes to All-MAC accolades at the end of the season, including Grace Freiberger, who became the first-ever MAC Defensive Player of the Year in program history. Jessica Costlow, Kelsey Smith and Freiberger also brought home MAC All-Tournament honors after the championship run. 

"I am so excited to continue my journey at Toledo," said Wright. "I appreciate Tom (Moreland) and (Executive Associate Athletic Director for Administration and Strategic Operations) Tanner (Ball) for their continued support and belief in Toledo Volleyball. This city, university and athletic department has been amazingly welcoming to me over the past year and a half and I'm excited to continue to do everything I can to grow this amazing and special place.

"We are a program that wins championships with players that have huge life dreams, are fantastic in the classroom, and has a great connection and impact on the community. Over the next five years, my goal is to make sure Toledo is known as a volleyball school and a volleyball city. It excites me every day knowing we are moving in that direction."

In the classroom, Wright's squad posted the second-highest GPA in program history during the Spring 2026 semester with a 3.723 mark. Freiberger and Olivia Heitkamp earned College Sport Communicators Academic All-District accolades while five Rockets earned Academic All-MAC honors last season.

In July 2026, the team earned its 26th consecutive American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, the second-longest streak in the nation, after posting a year-long GPA of 3.3 or higher.