Women's volleyball adds Neeley to staff

PROVO, Utah – BYU women’s volleyball head coach Heather Olmstead announced the hiring of Jonny Neeley as an assistant coach Wednesday.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the hiring of Jonny to the women’s volleyball program,” Olmstead said. “Jonny brings with him a variety of coaching experience and volleyball knowledge. He understands what it takes to succeed on and off the court and the team will immediately benefit from his skillset acquired through his years of studying the game. He is passionate about BYU and his energy and enthusiasm will add to our team culture.”

Prior to joining BYU women’s volleyball, Neeley spent two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.

In 2015, Neeley helped coach UAFS to a school-record 28-straight wins. The season included a conference championship, regional championship and a second-consecutive trip to the regional finals of the Division II NCAA Tournament.   

Before that in 2014, Neeley helped coach the Lions to their best season in program history – which included a conference championship, regional championship and a trip to the national semifinals of the NCAA tournament.

The 2014 campaign saw UAFS finish first in the nation in digs per set with 21.71. Additionally, during that season Neeley coached two All-Americans: Michelle Walker and Jessica Anderson. 

During his two years at UAFS, the Lions amassed an overall record of 58-9.

Before joining the UAFS coaching staff, Neeley spent three years coaching club and school volleyball in Russellville, Arkansas. He led his school team to its first-ever conference championship and an overall three-year record of 86-15.

Neeley has coached competitive club and school volleyball in California, Utah and most recently Arkansas. While coaching in Utah, Neeley helped lead Pleasant Grove High School to two-consecutive state finals, winning the championship in 2009.

Neeley began playing volleyball at Hart High School in Southern California, where he earned multiple all-league and team honors. 

"I'm so excited to return to my alma mater,” Neeley said. “It's a dream come true to be able to coach volleyball in the Smith Fieldhouse. I'm very thankful to Heather and the entire administration for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to working with such a knowledgeable coaching staff as well as high quality student-athletes. BYU volleyball has an incredible tradition and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Neeley is a BYU graduate, who received his Bachelor of Science degree in coaching/teaching physical education in 2011.