CMU volleyball hires Arielle Wilson as new head coach
The Central Michigan volleyball team huddles up before playing the third set on Friday, Nov. 8, at McGuirk Arena. Central Michigan would win in a straight set against Kent State. CMU is now 21-6 on the season and 12-3 in MAC play. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)
Central Michigan University announced Arielle Wilson as its new head volleyball coach on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the program.
Wilson, a former NCAA volleyball player will be formally introduced at a “Welcome to CMU” event at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14 in the Chippewa Champions Center atrium. The event is open to the public and will also be streamed.
After the previous head coach, Mike Gawlik, resigned to pursue other professional opportunities, a hunt began for a new head coach. Wilson brings an impressive resume to CMU, including nine years of NCAA Division I coaching experience and a storied playing career.
A former member of the USA National Team and four-time NCAA champion at Penn State, she most recently served as the defensive and recruiting coordinator at Missouri. In 2024, Wilson helped guide the Tigers to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament and a top-25 national ranking.
"We are excited to have Arielle Wilson coming to Central Michigan University to lead our women’s volleyball program,” Amy Folan, the Vice President/Director of Athletics said in a press release. “Her national experience and success combined with her personal relationships and genuine care for others makes her the perfect fit for our program that is competing at the top of the MAC. She has seen success at all levels and I have no doubt that she will bring all of that here to our community and continue that tradition in Mount Pleasant.”
Wilson inherits a Chippewas team that achieved its best season in over four decades in 2024, finishing 24-7 overall and securing second place in the Mid-American Conference.
“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 in a press release. "I am very excited and grateful to be put in a position to give back to this amazing sport while empowering and caring for the young ladies currently in this program and those who will be the future of this amazing program.”
Wilson’s appointment signals a new chapter for CMU volleyball as the team looks to build on its recent success and remain a top contender in the Mid-American Conference.
