(Story courtesy of University of the Ozarks Athletics Communications)
CLARKSVILLE, Ark. – University of the Ozarks has announced the hiring of Erin Pavlin as the new head coach of the volleyball program.
Pavlin, a native of Springfield, Mo., brings more than a decade of coaching experience across NCAA Division I, Division II and junior college programs. Most recently, she served as an assistant coach at Pittsburg State University, helping the program to the 2025 Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association playoffs.
"We are thrilled to welcome Erin Pavlin as the next head volleyball coach at University of the Ozarks," said Director of Athletics Dr. Sergio Molina. "Erin has built an impressive coaching resume, and her experience in player development, recruiting, and team management made her stand out throughout our search process. She has been part of successful programs at Pittsburg State, Akron and Trinity Valley, and understands what it takes to help student-athletes succeed both on the court and in the classroom. Erin brings tremendous energy and a clear vision for building a competitive program. We are excited to see the impact she will have on our volleyball program and our student-athletes."
At Pittsburg State, Pavlin assisted in all facets of the program, including recruiting, player development, opponent scouting and film analysis using Volleymetrics. She also served as the program's lead defensive and serve-receive coach. During the 2025 season, Pittsburg State produced the Conference Blocker of the Year and multiple All-Conference selections while the team maintained a 3.81 GPA.
During her time at University of Akron as a graduate assistant, she was involved with player development, recruiting, match analysis, practice planning and travel management. Akron ranked in the top ten nationally in both total aces and total digs during the 2024 season and had multiple players earn conference and academic honors.
"I'm incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead the volleyball program at University of the Ozarks," she said. "It's an honor to be entrusted with this program, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, staff, and the entire Ozarks community. I'm eager to get to work and build a program that emphasizes academic and athletic success, and a team that represents the university with pride."
"I was drawn to the opportunity to help grow and build a young program in a meaningful way. Also, Ozarks has a strong sense of community, and the people and support are amazing. The administration and head coaching staff at Ozarks are very impressive, and I felt confident knowing I would be in great company. President Dunsworth and the university provide strong support for athletics, and you can feel the Eagle pride all around."
Pavlin spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Trinity Valley Community College, where she helped the program to an undefeated conference championship season and conference tournament title in 2022. That season, Trinity Valley went on to finish eighth at the NJCAA Division I National Tournament. While at Trinity, the program produced multiple All-Americans and conference award winners.
In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, she has coached in Colorado and Missouri at the club and high school levels and provided private training.
Pavlin's coaching philosophy emphasizes developing young women beyond their playing careers.
"My coaching philosophy centers around building a competitive, disciplined, and connected team culture," she said. "I believe in developing fundamentally sound players who compete with confidence and resilience. Just as importantly, I want our program to help shape strong, intelligent, and accountable young women who leave Ozarks prepared for success in life beyond volleyball."
Pavlin earned a master's degree in sport science and coaching from Akron in 2024. She received her bachelor's degree in business administration with dual majors in management and marketing from Columbia College and was a magna cum laude graduate.
Pavlin starred at NAIA powerhouse Columbia College where she helped the program reach a pair of national championship finals. She was a two-time all-conference performer and earned the NAIA Champions of Character Award. She is still ranked fifth all-time in career sets played at Columbia.
Pavlin takes over an Ozarks program that enters its second year of competition.
