Volleyball On SI

Valparaiso Volleyball Parts Ways with Winningest Head Coach in School History

Carin Avery spent more than 25 years with the program and had signed a multi-year contract with the Beacons in November 2025.

Nicole Reitz

Carin Avery and Valpo Athletics have parted ways after over 25 years.
Carin Avery and Valpo Athletics have parted ways after over 25 years. / Valpo Athletics

Valparaiso Athletics released a shocking statement Monday morning stating that head volleyball coach Carin Avery and the University have decided to part ways. 

Avery spent more than 25 years with the program and had signed a multi-year contract with the Beacons in November 2025. 

“I write today to share with you that the University and Head Volleyball Coach Carin Avery have decided to part ways after more than 25 years of Coach Avery's service at the institution,” Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation  Laurel Hosmer said in a press release. “The University gratefully acknowledges the stellar win-loss record compiled by Coach Avery and the teams of young women that she coached over the past two plus decades. The University wishes Coach Avery all the best in the future.” 

The team is in the midst of a 5-4 season, and no direct reason for this split has been revealed, aside from Avery stating she’s excited to focus on her family in this next chapter of life. 

Assistant coach Nick Polite, who has been with the program for more than 10 years, will step in as interim head coach for the rest of the 2026 season. 

“Today is a bittersweet day for me as my time with Valpo Volleyball comes to an end,” Avery said in a press release. “And then there are the hundreds of student-athletes I've been blessed to coach, along with their families and friends who helped make Valpo Volleyball what it is today. The relationships we built over the years mean more to me than I could ever adequately put into words. When I reflect on all of those people, experiences, and memories, it makes today a difficult one.” 

“Valpo Volleyball has always been about so much more than a game. It's about the people we share the journey with, the relationships we build along the way, and the people we become because of the time we spend together.” 

In 2025, Avery led Valpo to its most successful season since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, posting a 12-4 record and finishing tied for second in the regular season. It marked the 10th time that Avery guided the Beacons to a top-two conference regular-season finish. 

She took over the program in 2002 and became the winningest head coach in Valpo Athletics history in 2023, with now over 500 wins. Under her direction, the Beacons won three conference regular-season titles, advanced to seven conference tournament title matches, and won three conference tournament championships. The program made seven postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments and four NIVC berths, including a run to the NIVC championship match in 2021. Her teams have won 20 or more matches 18 times, including 10 seasons of 25 or more victories. 

Avery also has a reputation for developing All-Americans. She coached six AVCA Honorable Mention All-Americans and seven All-Region recipients at Valpo and was named league Coach of the Year twice. 

Valpo will make its first appearance without Avery leading the way beginning on Friday, Sept. 18, when the Beacons travel to New York for the WNY Invitational. 

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Nicole Reitz
NICOLE REITZ

Nicole Reitz graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis with a degree in sports journalism in 2022 and has been writing about softball and baseball since 2018. Her work has been published in various publications like Softball On SI, Softball America, the Indianapolis Star, and SoxOn35th.

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