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Rice University Athletics
Rice Volleyball Announces Caitlin Nolan-Ayeni as Associate Head Coach
5/18/2026 10:59:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
HOUSTON – Rice volleyball head coach Genny Volpe announced the hiring of Caitlin Nolan-Ayeni as the program's associate head coach on Monday.
"I am pleased to announce the addition of Caitlin Nolan-Ayeni to our Rice Volleyball staff," Volpe said. "Her background as both an elite collegiate athlete and an accomplished coach in the AAC and Big 12 uniquely positions her to make an immediate impact on our program.
"Caitlin's competitive spirit, professionalism and dedication to success are evident from the moment you interact with her. I am confident that her contributions will further advance the growth and national profile of Rice volleyball."
Nolan-Ayeni joins South Main after spending the past six seasons at the University of Houston, where she was promoted to associate head coach in 2023. During her tenure with the Cougars, she helped establish Houston as one of the nation's top defensive programs while primarily working with the team's liberos and back-row defense.
"I want to thank Genny and the administration for this incredible opportunity," Nolan-Ayeni said. "Rice University is a world-class institution, and Genny has built one of the premier volleyball programs in the country. I'm excited for the opportunity to work alongside Genny and the staff and contribute to the continued success of the program."
Houston consistently ranked among the conference and national leaders in digs under Nolan-Ayeni's guidance as she developed some of the top liberos and defensive players in the country. Her work with Houston's back-row units helped produce multiple all-conference and All-America selections while sustaining the program's defensive success through its transition from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 Conference.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Nolan-Ayeni was a standout libero at Iowa State, where she earned AVCA All-America honors twice and was named the Big 12 Libero of the Year two times. She helped lead the Cyclones to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and represented the United States on the U.S. Junior National Team at the U-20 World Championships.
Nolan-Ayeni, her husband, Terry Ayeni, and their two daughters, Sloane and Skylar, reside in Houston.
"I am pleased to announce the addition of Caitlin Nolan-Ayeni to our Rice Volleyball staff," Volpe said. "Her background as both an elite collegiate athlete and an accomplished coach in the AAC and Big 12 uniquely positions her to make an immediate impact on our program.
"Caitlin's competitive spirit, professionalism and dedication to success are evident from the moment you interact with her. I am confident that her contributions will further advance the growth and national profile of Rice volleyball."
Nolan-Ayeni joins South Main after spending the past six seasons at the University of Houston, where she was promoted to associate head coach in 2023. During her tenure with the Cougars, she helped establish Houston as one of the nation's top defensive programs while primarily working with the team's liberos and back-row defense.
"I want to thank Genny and the administration for this incredible opportunity," Nolan-Ayeni said. "Rice University is a world-class institution, and Genny has built one of the premier volleyball programs in the country. I'm excited for the opportunity to work alongside Genny and the staff and contribute to the continued success of the program."
Houston consistently ranked among the conference and national leaders in digs under Nolan-Ayeni's guidance as she developed some of the top liberos and defensive players in the country. Her work with Houston's back-row units helped produce multiple all-conference and All-America selections while sustaining the program's defensive success through its transition from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 Conference.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Nolan-Ayeni was a standout libero at Iowa State, where she earned AVCA All-America honors twice and was named the Big 12 Libero of the Year two times. She helped lead the Cyclones to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and represented the United States on the U.S. Junior National Team at the U-20 World Championships.
Nolan-Ayeni, her husband, Terry Ayeni, and their two daughters, Sloane and Skylar, reside in Houston.
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