ARIELLE WILSON

When Central Michigan University announced Arielle Wilson as the sixth head volleyball coach in program history in January 2025, it was more than a coaching hire. It was the next chapter in a volleyball journey defined by excellence at every level of the sport.

From her days growing up in the Chicago area to becoming one of the most decorated players in Penn State history, Wilson built a career around winning, leadership, and developing others. A four-time NCAA National Champion with the Nittany Lions, three-time AVCA All-American, and member of the USA Women’s National Team, she carried those experiences into a successful professional career that took her around the world before she turned her attention to coaching.

Over nine years as an NCAA Division I assistant coach, Wilson quickly established herself as one of the sport’s rising leaders. Her coaching stops at DePaul, Michigan State, Georgia Tech, and Missouri produced NCAA Tournament appearances, conference success, All-Americans, and nationally recognized recruiting classes. Whether mentoring middle blockers, coordinating defenses, or leading recruiting efforts, Wilson consistently helped programs reach new heights.

Her most recent success came at the University of Missouri, where she served as defensive and recruiting coordinator under head coach Dawn Sullivan. During her two seasons with the Tigers, Missouri returned to national prominence, earning consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2024, the Tigers reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, finished 22-9 overall, and secured a top-25 national ranking while producing multiple All-Americans and All-SEC performers.

Before Missouri, Wilson spent four seasons at Georgia Tech, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the Yellow Jackets into a perennial national contender. Under her guidance, Georgia Tech earned four consecutive postseason appearances and three straight NCAA Tournament berths, highlighted by an Elite Eight run in 2021. During her tenure, the program accumulated over 80 victories and developed multiple All-Americans, including three-time All-American Julia Bergmann.

When Wilson arrived in Mount Pleasant, she embraced the opportunity to forge a path of competitive excellence for the CMU women’s volleyball program.

“I am Fired Up about the opportunity to lead exceptional student-athletes who will leave this program to be exceptional women in the world,” Wilson said upon her hiring. “I am thrilled to continue to build on the winning legacy at CMU.”

University leaders shared that enthusiasm.

“Arielle’s national experience and success combined with her personal relationships and genuine care for others make her the perfect fit for our program,” said Director of Athletics Amy Folan.

CMU President Neil MacKinnon echoed that confidence, describing Wilson as a coach and mentor whose leadership would help student-athletes succeed both on the court and in the classroom.

In her first season leading the Chippewas, Wilson immediately left her mark. Under her leadership, senior outside hitter Natalia Rejment earned Second Team All-MAC honors, while the Chippewas put together a five-match conference winning streak during October.

Several players continued to write their names into the program’s record books. Taylor Cripe opened the season with four service aces in the team’s first match, tying a Central Michigan four-set match record. Abby Olin concluded her career ranked sixth in program history with 253 career blocks and added another historic accomplishment by recording 21 solo blocks during the 2025 season.

Wilson’s emphasis on developing the complete student-athlete was also reflected in the classroom. At the conclusion of the season, seven Chippewas earned Academic All-MAC recognition: Abby Olin, Alina Anderson, Natalia Rejment, Brooklyn Conner, Hannah Langton, Izzy Swiercz, and Grace Thomas.

Behind those achievements was a coach whose own journey has spanned every corner of volleyball. After helping Penn State achieve an astounding 142-7 record and a 109-match winning streak during her playing career, Wilson spent six years competing professionally in Poland, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and Italy. She later returned to the USA Volleyball pipeline as a National Team Development Program coach, helping shape future generations of elite athletes.

Throughout her career, Wilson has never strayed far from her commitment to mentorship and growth. Whether running camps at her alma mater, Proviso East High School, helping build successful club programs in the Chicago area, or guiding student-athletes toward academic and athletic success, her impact has extended well beyond wins and losses.

Now at Central Michigan, Wilson’s mission remains clear: continue building a championship culture while preparing young women for success long after volleyball ends.

Supported by her daughter, Ariana, and inspired by the mentors and experiences that shaped her journey, Wilson is ready to write the next chapter of Chippewa Volleyball.

Erica Stahl’s volleyball journey has been defined by excellence, leadership, and a passion for developing athletes at every level of the game. In May 2025, she joined Arielle Wilson’s staff at Central Michigan University as an assistant coach, bringing with her a wealth of playing and coaching experience.

In her first season with the Chippewas, Stahl quickly made an impact. Under her guidance, middle blocker Natalia Rejment earned Second Team All-MAC honors, while Central Michigan’s front row continued its tradition of excellence. The Chippewas recorded 232 team blocks during the 2025 campaign, showcasing the defensive discipline and technical development that became a hallmark of Stahl’s coaching. The season also featured several memorable performances, including Taylor Cripe’s four-service-ace outing in the season opener, tying the program’s four-set match record. Meanwhile, veteran Abby Olin cemented her place among the program’s all-time greats. Olin finished her career with 253 career blocks, ranking sixth in Central Michigan history, and added another chapter to her impressive legacy by recording 21 solo blocks in 2025, good for eighth-most in a single season in program history.

Before arriving in Mount Pleasant, Stahl continued building her coaching résumé at Amherst College, where she served as an assistant coach during the 2023-24 season. Prior to Amherst, she spent several years shaping the next generation of players through club and high school coaching positions throughout the Indianapolis area from 2015 to 2022. She also broadened her collegiate coaching experience as a graduate assistant at Fort Valley State University during the 2022-23 academic year.

Long before making her mark on the sidelines, Stahl distinguished herself on the court. She starred at Butler University from 2012 to 2014, earning recognition as an AVCA All-East Region selection, an AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honoree, and an All-BIG EAST performer. Her dominance at the net left a lasting legacy, and she remains among Butler’s all-time top 10 in blocks per set, total blocks, block assists, and hitting percentage.

Following her collegiate career, Stahl continued competing professionally overseas, playing in both Spain and Switzerland. The international experience further expanded her understanding of the game and helped shape the coaching philosophy she brings to her athletes today.

Off the court, Stahl’s commitment to education mirrors her dedication to volleyball. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one from Butler University and another from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

From All-American performer to international professional and now impactful collegiate coach, Erica Stahl’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence and a passion for helping student-athletes reach their full potential.

When Arielle Wilson looked to add another rising star to her Central Michigan volleyball staff, she found one in Jaz Craig. In January 2026, Craig joined the Chippewas as an assistant coach, bringing with her a diverse background in collegiate coaching, recruiting, and student-athlete development.

Before arriving in Mount Pleasant, Craig made her mark at Bryant University, where she served as an assistant coach and played an integral role in nearly every aspect of the program. She coordinated recruiting efforts, helping identify and attract future Bulldogs, while also contributing to player development, academic support, scouting, and day-to-day operations. Her responsibilities extended beyond the court, encompassing practice planning, match preparation, team travel, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach. Through her multifaceted approach, Craig helped create an environment where student-athletes could thrive both athletically and academically.

Craig’s path through the coaching profession was built on a foundation of service and growth at multiple institutions. Prior to Bryant, she gained valuable experience as an assistant coach at both St. Francis College in New York and Mercy College, working with men’s and women’s volleyball programs. Those opportunities allowed her to broaden her coaching perspective and refine her ability to connect with athletes from diverse backgrounds and competitive levels.

Equally committed to understanding the person behind the player, Craig pursued her academic interests in psychology throughout her educational journey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Norfolk State University before completing a master’s degree in psychology at St. Francis College. There, her graduate research focused on student-athlete mental health, reflecting a passion for supporting the holistic well-being of the athletes she serves.

Craig’s dedication to the profession has not gone unnoticed. Recognized as one of the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s prestigious 30 Under 30 honorees, she has also been celebrated with the AVCA Diversity Award. Further demonstrating her commitment to leadership development, Craig is a graduate of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy programs, experiences that have helped shape her vision for empowering student-athletes and future coaches alike.

From recruiting standouts and developing talent on the court to advocating for student-athlete wellness and inclusion, Jaz Craig has built a reputation as a coach who invests fully in the success of those around her. As she begins her journey at Central Michigan, she brings a blend of experience, energy, and purpose that will continue to impact the Chippewas program for years to come.