SCF Names Wilson New Head Volleyball Coach

BRADENTON — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has named Dr. Lonni Wilson the new coach of the women's volleyball team. Wilson has 20 years of head coaching experience, including six years on the collegiate level. He has coached at all levels of college volleyball including the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, II and III.

SCF's Brittany Jaco

“I am excited to take the reins of the SCF volleyball program. The athletic program at SCF has a rich history of focusing on excellence both on the court and in the classroom,” said Wilson.

Wilson most recently coached the women’s volleyball team at Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y. Wilson spent five years working with Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club, serving as a coach, webmaster and board member, creating the largest and most successful girls volleyball club in the state of New York. In four seasons, his teams won the regional championship and qualified for trips to the USA Volleyball Junior Olympic National Championship.

Wilson’s experience also includes serving as the assistant coach for Delta Valley Volleyball Club’s top 18s team that won the Colorado Crossroads Qualifier and the national championship, claiming the gold medal in the 18-open division at the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships.

"Lonni brings a depth and breadth of collegiate volleyball experience to SCF. His association with a diverse group of Division I schools will benefit our future volleyball recruiting efforts," said Dr. Donald Bowman, vice president of educational and student services.

"We welcome Lonni’s unmatched passion for the game of volleyball and his dedication to students’ success. Under his leadership, a future of continued athletic and academic achievement is on the horizon for the SCF volleyball program," said SCF Athletic Director Matt Ennis.

Wilson, who resides in Parrish with his wife and three children, earned his Ph.D. in Sport Management from The Ohio State University. He directs the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management Program at Keiser University in Sarasota.