LACEY, Wash. - Saint Martin's University welcomes Wade Taylor as the next Head Women's Volleyball Coach. Taylor comes to Saint Martin's on the heels of helping Cal State LA win the 2023 DII National Championship as that program's top assistant coach. Pairing his success at Cal State LA with a Saints squad that compiled the team's best finish in program history positions the Saint Martin's volleyball program to continue their competitive surge in 2024 and beyond.
"Following a highly successful national search, on behalf of our committee, the women's volleyball team, current assistant coaches Tracie Lindeblom and Laura Scroggins, and valued campus partners who participated in the process, I am excited to announce the hiring of Wade Taylor as the program's next head coach," said Director of Athletics, Steve O'Brien. "Wade is a voracious student of the game, effective at forging strong relationships with his positive approach to coaching and determined to build more than just a team that accumulates "W's" on the court. We're looking forward to helping him realize that vision and the program's full potential."
Working under one of the most accomplished DII coaches in the country, and possessing a strong network within Southern California's club volleyball scene, Taylor is poised to extend the upward trajectory of the Saints' recruiting pipeline and overall program. A graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University, Taylor coached at the club, junior college, NAIA and DII levels prior to joining Saint Martin's University.
"I want to thank Director of Athletics, Steve O'Brien as well as the Saint Martin's women's volleyball search committee, for giving me an opportunity to lead these talented young women and this program in its ascendency. I would also like to thank my parents, Connie & Robert Taylor for their constant love, prayers & support & for raising me to be a leader & teaching me the value of encouraging people & putting others first. Lastly, I would like to thank California State University Los Angeles' Head Coach, Juan Figueroa, for inviting me to be a part of a national championship winning team, and Allan Vince who gave me my collegiate start with The Master's University men's volleyball program. 
 
With an eye towards the future, Taylor noted, "I look forward to helping these amazing young women continue to have success, both on and off the court, creating a positive, encouraging and uplifting team culture that prioritizes the mental health and wellbeing of each player. The GNAC conference is extremely competitive, and I look forward to the opportunity to build off of the foundation laid by Dan Behnke, leading to even greater levels of competitive success. It is my belief that we will do incredible things together through cohesiveness, selflessness and trust, while having fun. I am humbled to be chosen to lead this team. Great days are ahead in Lacey!"
 
With his appointment as Head Women's Volleyball Coach, Wade Taylor will lead the Saints towards continued success in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC), one of the most competitive volleyball conferences in the country. His strategic vision, commitment to fostering a strong, healthy and positive team culture and desire to develop our students as more than just athletes will undoubtedly shape the future of the women's volleyball program.