COLUMBUS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women Athletics has announced Breylee Linder as its new volleyball head coach. Linder will officially begin her duties on June 3, 2024.
"We are very excited to have Breylee joining the Owls' family," Director of Athletics Buddy Foster said. "She brings an infectious enthusiasm to our program which, I believe, will permeate our other areas, as well. Her knowledge of the game of volleyball, the recruiting process, tremendous organizational skills, civic-mindedness, and commitment to academic success stood out to our committee during the hiring process."
Linder, a native of Florence, Alabama, has strong local ties after spending two years as a coach with the Level Elite Sports volleyball program based out of Columbus. Linder coached the Shoals Attack in Florence, leading the 15-18 age squad for practice and tournaments. She led the program to a record of 28-8 in her first season at the helm.
For three years, Linder has also served as a volleyball clinic director for various size groups. Additionally, she was selected by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for its first scholarship team. The participants were charged by AVCA to demonstrate drills and skills for elite coaches across the country (including for the US National Team, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC, to name a few). The team also attended educational sessions on all aspects of volleyball, including sports performance, nutrition, strength training, team building, and effective coaching.
"I first want to thank (Director of Athletics) Buddy Foster, President Nora Miller, and the hiring committee for their trust and belief in me," Linder said. "The Lord is faithful, and I am truly honored to step into the role of head volleyball coach at The W. Leading the Owls will not just be about coaching a team; it will be about fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. With a solid core of returners, in addition to elite freshmen and transfers coming in, everyone can expect a dynamic and competitive style of play that reflects the grit and tenacity of our players. Exceptionally executing the 'simple things' will be what sets this program apart."
As for her own playing career, Linder was a four-year starter as a setter at the University of North Alabama, where she amassed 1,697 assists and 512 digs during her 80 career matches from 2019-22.
Linder has also been generous with her volunteerism. Some of her involvement has included: Better Me in 2023 (providing health education to the underprivileged in West Florence, Ala.); Special Olympics; Read Across America week (each March); Common Ground Shoals (afterschool program for marginalized community members), and; the Shoals Kidney Walk (fundraiser for the Alabama Kidney Foundation).
Linder earned a bachelor's degree in biology – with minors in chemistry and nutrition – from UNA. She is currently pursuing a master's degree from North Alabama, with expected completion in Spring 2025, where she has worked as a graduate and teaching assistant in the Department of Kinesiology, as well as working with UNA's indoor and beach volleyball programs.
"Beyond volleyball, our program will be committed to continued academic success and community engagement," Linder explained. "Developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel not only in sports but in all aspects of life, is a top priority. I look forward to working closely with our student-athletes to help them achieve their goals both athletically and academically, while also making a positive impact and representing the community that supports our university so well."
Linder is the third volleyball coach of the modern era (since 2017) of The W athletics.
