Rice University Athletics
Erin Fairs Named Rice Volleyball Assistant Coach
1/30/2025 3:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Fairs returns to South Main to help lead volleyball
This marks Fairs' second stint on the Rice coaching staff, first coaching as a volunteer assistant in 2020.
"We are extremely excited to announce the addition of Erin Fairs to our coaching staff," said Coach Volpe. "Erin just wrapped up her professional playing career, which includes international competition as well as being a part of the some of the new leagues in the United States. Erin was also a very accomplished collegiate player, who knows what it takes to win championships. Her competitive personality coupled with her genuine love for the sport of volleyball and connecting with people makes this hire a home run. A Houstonian, Erin is a shining example of the talent that comes from this amazing city and I couldn't be happier that she is joining our team."
Fairs joins the staff after announcing her retirement from professional volleyball. Most recently, Fairs played for Athletes Unlimited Professional Volleyball, where she played in 105 total sets, averaging 1.76 kills per set and 2.51 digs per set in her four seasons. She was also part of the Athletes Unlimited Executive Board.
"I'm so excited to join such a seasoned and accomplished staff at a prestigious school," Fairs said. "[I'm] Ecstatic to learn from the best!"
Fairs would end up playing in Turkey (Maltepe Yali SK), Puerto Rico (Polluelas de Aibonito) and Romania (CSM Targoviste). After finishing the 2017-18 season in Romania, Fairs was a member of "Team Dream," which won the USA Adult Open National Championship. The squad was the first ever all-African American team to compete in the women's open division at the event. She then signed on with Trefl Proxima Krakow in Poland for the 2018-19 season before playing for Aris Thessloniki in Greece last year.
Fairs signed her first professional contract with Engelholms in the Swedish league and went on to win the 2015-16 Elitserien (Swedish volleyball women's championships).
Fairs' final season of college volleyball was spent at Louisville, where she was named an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American, leading the Cardinals in kills (424) and solo blocks (19). She was an ACC All-Preseason pick and had 5 matches with 20 or more kills. She scored double digit points in all but three matches. She had 25+ points against Miami and Pitt and had double digit points against every nationally ranked opponent, including 23 vs. Minnesota and 17.5 vs. Wisconsin. She was the primary passer in three rotations and averages 1.34 digs per set. In the NCAA, she was 70th in Kills/Set (3.91) and 60th Points/Set (4.35) in an offense that features four offensive weapons.
Fairs began her collegiate career at South Florida, immediately making an impact on the court for the Bulls. She was a three-time All-Conference selection, highlighted by being named the 2013 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and First-Team All-AAC after leading the league with 429 kills. Fairs showcased her versatility, leading the Bulls in points, kills, and digs during her sophomore campaign, earning Honorable Mention All-Region notice and a spot on the All-AAC First Team. Her accomplishments continued with the 2012 BIG EAST Rookie of the Year and Second-Team All-BIG EAST recognition, leading the Bulls with 316 kills while adding 313 digs. Fairs also claimed First-Team All-AAC recognition during her junior season at USF after tallying 489 kills and 481 digs. Her impressive stats include ranking eighth in USF history with 1,234 kills in three seasons and fourth in USF history with 1,301 career digs.
Fairs was a four-year starter at Foster High School in Richmond, Texas, under head coach Tara Domel. She was named First Team All-District during her junior year in 2010, as was as named Honorable Mention All-Texas Team. She also played club volleyball for the Southwest Juniors and for Absolute Volleyball Academy (AVA) under Christy Crislip and Katy Garza. Other than volleyball, she also played basketball and competed in track at FHS.
