The University of Texas Longhorns volleyball program has announced the appointment of Ben Josephson as the new Associate Head Coach. Josephson brings over two decades of experience in collegiate and international volleyball coaching, having most recently served as an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky. During his tenure with the Wildcats, he played a pivotal role in leading the team to back-to-back NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearances, securing two top-10 finishes, and clinching two SEC Championships. citeturn0search0
Filling the Void Left by Erik Sullivan
Josephson’s appointment follows the departure of Erik Sullivan, who completed his 14th season with the Longhorns in 2024. Sullivan was recently named the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, a position he assumed in January 2025. During his tenure at Texas, Sullivan was instrumental in developing the team’s defensive strategies and coaching the liberos and middle blockers. His leadership contributed to the Longhorns’ impressive record, including 12 conference championships and three national titles. citeturn0search8
Josephson’s Coaching Philosophy and Vision
In his new role, Josephson aims to build upon the Longhorns’ legacy of excellence. Head Coach Jerritt Elliott expressed enthusiasm about Josephson’s addition to the staff, stating, “We are very excited to welcome Ben and his family to our program. He’s the perfect fit for this team and will help us continue to be one of the most elite programs in the NCAA.” Josephson’s extensive experience in both men’s and women’s volleyball, coupled with his international coaching background, is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the Longhorns’ program. citeturn0search0
Looking Ahead
As the Longhorns prepare for the 2025 season, the addition of Josephson to the coaching staff is anticipated to strengthen the team’s competitive edge. His expertise and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining the program’s high standards and achieving continued success in collegiate volleyball.