UCU Names Hicks as New Head Women's Volleyball Coach

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University has named Christa Hicks as the Bulldogs' new head volleyball coach. A former Bulldog standout and experienced coach, Hicks brings a deep understanding of the program and a passion for developing student-athletes.

Hicks' collegiate career spanned three schools, including Union, where she competed in 2012 and was named Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Hitter of the Week. She remained with the program in 2013 as a student assistant coach.

Her coaching journey includes several years at the high school and AAU levels, where she honed her leadership and development skills. In 2018, Hicks moved into the collegiate ranks, serving as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's volleyball programs at Briar Cliff University. After nearly five more years of AAU coaching, she returned to Union in 2024 as an assistant coach, helping guide the Bulldogs to an AAC Tournament appearance with a 12-9 conference record. That season, Union's Raquel Kessler was named the AAC Player of the Year in addition to earning All-America honors.

"I'm very grateful to Union in selecting me as their next head volleyball coach," Hicks said. "With Union being my alma mater, I know how special the university and volleyball program is. I'm excited to start this new journey in my coaching career."

UCU's Interim Executive Director of Athletics, Clay Butler, expressed confidence in Hicks' leadership.

"We are excited to welcome Christa Hicks as the new head volleyball coach at Union Commonwealth University," Butler said. "Her excitement for the sport, coaching experience, and dedication to developing student-athletes make her the ideal leader for our program. We are confident that Coach Hicks will inspire our team to reach new levels of success, both on and off the court."