NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bringing experience both leading an NCAA Division I program and as an assistant in the SEC, Vanderbilt head volleyball coach Anders Nelson announced the hiring of Felicia Turner as offensive coordinator Wednesday.
Turner joins the Commodore staff after serving as head coach at UNC Greensboro the last three seasons. She previously was at Georgia as an assistant for six years—including the final three as the Bulldogs’ associate head coach—after beginning her coaching career at her alma mater, Loyola Marymount.
“I had the opportunity to coach against Feli during her time at Georgia, where I gained great respect for her ability to develop athletes. What she’s built at UNC Greensboro made her a clear fit for Vanderbilt volleyball and our startup mindset,” said Nelson. “She’s experienced, passionate and a tireless worker who believes in our program’s trajectory. We are excited to welcome her, Johnathan and their family to Nashville!”
Following her first year as a head coach in 2023, Turner guided the Spartans to an increased win total each of the next two seasons including a 17-12 mark last fall highlighted by the program’s first win in the quarterfinals of the Southern Conference Tournament since the 2017 campaign. In addition to helping Allie Sweet earn SoCon Freshman of the Year honors in 2024, UNCG had three individuals receive all-league recognition and nine conference player of the week award winners during her time leading the program.
In her six seasons on the staff at Georgia, Turner helped the Bulldogs to three 20-win campaigns and a pair of NCAA Tournament berths; that included a 23-8 record overall and 13-5 mark in the SEC in 2022 after a victory in the opening round of the tournament. Prior to that, she was an assistant coach at Loyola Marymount for three seasons during which time her efforts contributed to the Lions earning two NCAA Tournament berths—advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2015—while winning 20-plus matches twice. Turner also coached Loyola Marymount’s beach volleyball team, which entered the 2015 campaign ranked No. 5 nationally, after helping build the program as a student-athlete.
“I am incredibly grateful to Anders and the Vanderbilt administration for entrusting me with this opportunity. The Vandy volleyball staff and program is truly committed to building confident student-athletes and investing in their growth on and off the court,” said Turner. “My journey as a mom, coach, and wife reinforces the importance of investing in these athletes. I am dedicated to supporting them as individuals and competitors. We are going to compete at the highest level and enjoy every step of the journey. I’m excited to bring my passion and experience to Vandy volleyball student-athletes and can’t wait to get started!”
Named to the AVCA’s Thirty Under 30 Awards list in 2016, Turner has completed an internship with the USA Women’s National Team and served as an instructor at a pair of Gold Medal Squared volleyball camps as well.
As a student-athlete, Turner (née Arriola) recorded more than 750 kills and 875 digs and was also elected a team captain during a five-year career spanning 2009-13. Originally from Laguna Niguel, California, she received her degree from Loyola Marymount in 2014 in pre-physical/occupational therapy.
Turner and her husband, Johnathan, have two children, Tustin and Reilyn.
