Switching from Kentucky to Texas was “the most impactful and life-altering decision” that Madisen Skinner ever made. Winning the NCAA title with the Wildcats set the bar quite high for the national volleyball sensation, and as part of the Longhorns family, Skinner was able to follow up on that success in the most brilliant way possible by winning the national championship back-to-back in 2022 and 2023. Bidding farewell to her collegiate career in a social media post, she later noted that the Texas staff was crucial to her success. And now, Madi just might be able to relieve those golden years yet again!

Skinner is on Cloud 9 right now. Just days ago, the outside hitter led LOVB Austin to become the tournament’s first-ever champs by sweeping Omaha at the KFC Yum! Center. Subsequently, Madisen took to social media to triumphantly announce that she would be coming back for Round 2. And this time, it looks like she’ll have one familiar face around for some extra help.

On April 24, Avid posted on X, sharing news that Erik Sullivan, the former associate head coach at the University of Texas, will be the new head coach of LOVB Austin for the second season of League One Volleyball. Sullivan is a two-time Olympian and was also named the head coach of the USA’s women’s national volleyball squad in January this year.

Naturally, the prospect of returning to Texas also has Erik on his toes. “Coming back to Austin and helping lead this next chapter of LOVB is incredibly meaningful to me. This team has already made history, and I’m honored to help build on that world-class legacy while contributing to the rise of professional volleyball in the U.S,” Madisen Skinner’s new head coach said.

Sullivan’s track record as head coach Jerritt Elliott’s main man speaks for itself. In the 14 seasons Erik spent at 40 Acres, he raked up 348 wins, 12 Conference Championships, eight NCAA Final Four appearances, 12 NCAA Elite Eight appearances, and three national titles in 2012, 2022, and 2023. Whew! We got tired just writing that! But Austin is certainly not tired of heaping praises upon him.

“Having Erik lead LOVB Austin feels like such a full circle moment. He’s played such a huge role in my development as a player and a person, and I know he’ll bring that same leadership and passion to this team,” said Logan Eggleston, who, like Skinner, is also one of the greatest outside hitters to have come out of the Longhorns’ locker room. Talk about returning to the hot seat! It looks like Sullivan’s former flagbearers are already feeling the thrill. And so are others.

LOVB Pro President Rosie Spaulding said of LOVB Austin’s recruitment of Erik, “His strong ties to Austin, his championship pedigree, and his rapport with the players make him the perfect fit for LOVB Austin.” However, dark clouds still loom. Recalling how Sullivan wasn’t even present in Louisville to see Madisen Skinner win the inaugural LOVB trophy, many fans already have clenched foreheads and are skeptical if Erik can, in fact, be the right choice.

Can Erik prove the naysayers wrong? After all…

Madisen Skinner and Co. have set the bar high for Sullivan

Madi easily had the pro debut that dreams are made of. Skinner hauled 201 kills and 227 points in her first campaign with LOVB Austin. In the championship match against Omaha, she posted 17 kills with a .308 hit percentage as well as 4 blocks and 5 digs, which also sent the Finals’ MVP title her way. If that wasn’t all, her incredible 40′ vertical leap also got many volleyball fans to vehemently claim Madisen as one of the greatest athletes of our generation. We aren’t arguing!

Undoubtedly, though, Skinner’s success would owe a great deal to the former LOVB Austin head coach Marco Bonitta. Bonitta ceded her duties in February and stepped down from the mantle in February, citing “personal reasons”. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but after careful reflection, I have decided to step away to address personal matters that require my full attention. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and an incredible organization in LOVB,” Marco stated, as AVCA Coach of the Year honoree Chris McGown stepped up big time as the interim head coach to successfully get Austin over the line.

Both these coaches proved to be crucial to LOVB Austin’s success in the first round of the tournament. But knowing Madisen Skinner, a back-to-back title-winning run is what she’s used to. Can reuniting with Erik Sullivan satiate Madi’s thirst to continue her quest to become one of volleyball’s all-time greats? Tell us your thoughts on Austin’s chances of defending the LOVB trophy in a comment below!