Matt Werle Joins Kansas Volleyball: A New Chapter After 13 Years at GCU
After more than a decade of building Grand Canyon University’s men’s volleyball program into a national contender, Matt Werle is making a career-defining move. Effective immediately, Werle steps into the role of Associate Head Coach for Kansas Women’s Volleyball, marking a significant transition from the men’s game to one of the most rapidly growing sports at the collegiate level.
From GCU to KU: Werle’s Impact and Legacy
Werle’s journey with GCU spanned 13 years, beginning as an assistant coach before earning the head coaching role. Under his leadership, the Antelopes evolved from an emerging program into an NCAA Division I-II powerhouse, securing back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024. His tenure saw GCU claim the program’s first-ever AVCA No. 1 ranking, an NCAA tournament victory, and earned Werle the MPSF and AVCA Coach of the Year honors in 2024.
Reflecting on his time at GCU, Werle shared his appreciation for the athletes and the underdog mentality that fueled the program’s rise.
“The athletes have easily been the best part of GCU. It has been an absolute pleasure building relationships and watching them grow beyond volleyball. I’ll miss the uphill battle—we never had the most nationally respected name, but it was always fun proving we belonged.”
For the remainder of the 2025 season, GCU assistant coaches Bryan Dell’Amico and Jon Girten will lead the Antelopes, ensuring stability for the team as Werle transitions to his new role.
Why Werle Chose Kansas
While leaving GCU was a difficult decision, Werle saw the move to Kansas as the right step for his career and family. He cited KU’s commitment to women’s volleyball, the opportunity to work under Head Coach Matt Ulmer, and the chance to be closer to extended family as key factors in his decision.
“The support Kansas provides for athletics, especially women’s volleyball, is special. Working with Coach Ulmer is an incredible opportunity, and this is a move that’s great for my family—we have extended family nearby, and a smaller town will be healthy for us.”
Werle’s connection to Matt Ulmer dates back to their playing days, when they faced off as setters in the 2007 NCAA Division III National Championship, where Werle’s Juniata College squad staged a reverse sweep to defeat Ulmer’s Carthage College team. Their competitive respect eventually turned into a friendship, and now, a professional partnership.
Kansas’ New-Look Coaching Staff
With legendary Kansas coach Ray Burchard retiring, Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff led a national search before hiring Matt Ulmer as the program’s next head coach. Ulmer wasted no time assembling an elite coaching staff, calling Werle a “bucket list hire.”
The new KU volleyball coaching staff is now set:
- Matt Ulmer – Head Coach
- Matt Werle – Associate Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator
- Erika Dillard – Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator
- Arica Nassar – Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator
- Maggie Bowen – Director of Operations
- Tori Miller-Hohlios – Technical Coordinator
A Bright Future for Werle and KU
With Werle’s proven ability to develop talent, recruit top-tier athletes, and build championship-caliber teams, his addition to Kansas women’s volleyball signals a program on the rise. As KU aims to strengthen its national presence, the Werle-Ulmer duo brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to Lawrence.
For Werle, it’s the next step in an already impressive career—one that now extends from the sidelines of GCU to the courts of Kansas, with championship aspirations still in sight.