DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Director of Athletics, Dr. Rachel Burleson, has announced the hiring of Alyssa Hanley as the next head coach for the Eagles' volleyball program.

With over a decade of coaching experience, Hanley comes to Daytona Beach after previously coaching at the University of Virginia's College at Wise where she was at the helm of the Highland Cavaliers' program since February of 2022.

"We're thrilled to have Alyssa lead our volleyball program at Embry-Riddle," Burleson stated. "She has a proven record of program building, student-athlete development, and competitive growth. Her dedication to the student, person, player mindset made her a great fit for our program and the ERAU Athletics family."

While at UVA-Wise, Hanley oversaw all facets of a program that had seen limited success in recent years. Under her leadership, Hanley improved results year-over-year, elevating the program to its highest winning percentage since the 2015 season. In addition, she led the program to 14 wins in 2025 – a program second-best in the UVA-Wise's NCAA era.

The UVA-Wise volleyball program produced a 14-15 record in 2025 and earned back-to-back South Atlantic Conference Tournament berths. In conference play, Hanley led the Highland Cavaliers to an 8-10 record – a program record since joining the SAC in 2019.

"I'm incredibly honored and excited to join Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as the head volleyball coach," Hanley said. "I want to sincerely thank Director of Athletics, Dr. Rachel Burleson, as well as the search committee for giving me this tremendous opportunity."

"From the beginning, it was clear that this is a place that values people and relationships," Hanley added. "My goal is to build a supportive program with high standards, one that challenges student-athletes to compete relentlessly, support one another, and grow both on the court and in all areas of life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and pursue sustained success while investing in our student-athletes."

Prior to her time at UVA-Wise, Hanley spent five seasons as the head volleyball coach at Schreiner University. During her tenure, Hanley helped build Schreiner volleyball into a competitive program, qualifying for the 2020 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament for the first time in eight years. In addition, Hanley helped develop at least one All-SCAC student-athlete each season at the helm of the program.

The Denton, Texas native has also spent time as an assistant coach at Missouri Southern State (2016-17), as well as a graduate assistant coach for Concord University (2014-16) where she earned her master's in health promotion. She also has several years of experience coaching club volleyball in Texas.

Hanley played at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette out of high school before electing to transfer to West Texas A&M where she would go on to graduate with a degree in mass communications.