FRISCO, Texas / COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 27) – Pro Volleyball Federation’s Atlanta franchise announced the appointment of University of Central Florida head coach Todd Dagenais as the team’s first head coach. Dagenais comes to Pro Volleyball Federation after 15 seasons at UCF where he built the school’s women’s volleyball program into one of the country’s elite volleyball powers. 

Most recently Dagenais led his Knights team to five consecutive American Athletic Conference Championships and is the winningest coach in AAC history, earning four Coach of the Year honors along the way.

“The world is watching what happens with this league,” Dagenais said of Pro Volleyball Federation. “Not only do American players long for a professional opportunity at home, but hearing from elite international players, they are looking for an opportunity to play in America. We now have a pipeline for the youth players to play professionally at home.

“Atlanta is such a beautiful city with such a rich culture. It’s a major city that appreciates athletics and the entertainment value athletics provides. Atlanta is experiencing exponential growth in the volleyball market, making it a perfect fit. Thank you to the Atlanta franchise for believing I’m the person who will make this team a championship team. I’m fortunate to be a part of this endeavor at the beginning stages. I can’t wait to dig in and build this with the greater Atlanta community.”

Dagenais recorded 308 carrier victories at UCF, securing his spot as UCF Volleyball’s all-time winningest head coach. He led the Knights to six conference championships and six NCAA tournament berths including, four straight from 2019 through 2022.

Dagenais also has extensive experience coaching in the USA Volleyball system. He served as a head coach for the Collegiate National Team and as part of the staff for the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He has served on the U.S. Volleyball Women’s National Team coaching delegation to the Olympic Games and coached as part of the High Performance System.

“We are thrilled to welcome Todd as the new head coach,” said Colleen Craig, the Pro Volleyball Federation Atlanta team owner. “Todd brings domestic and international experience at the highest levels to our team.  In addition, he has been a highly successful builder of programs and talent development. His record of success, dedication, and player development makes him an excellent fit for our team, and we are excited to see the impact he will have on the team’s performance.”

Added Dagenais: “We are going to build something special in Atlanta and something special for the city, the fans of sports, and the women who have the burning desire to compete at the highest levels. We are going to make sure these women do not get lost in a quadrennial shuffle. They will experience world class and career-building training and competition on our team.”

The Atlanta franchise is one of eight teams that will play in the inaugural season of Pro Volleyball Federation beginning in February 2024. Dagenais is the second head coach announced by a Pro Volleyball Federation team. The Grand Rapids Rise recently announced Cathy George, Michigan State’s all-time winningest head coach, as the first-ever head coach in Pro Volleyball Federation.

Those wishing to become a part of Pro Volleyball Federation, whether as a prospective player, coach, team owner, investor, sponsor, vendor, media company, or host venue can email info@provolleyball.com or visit provolleyball.com.

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION

Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL pro volleyball and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in February 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America.

 For Media Inquiries or to arrange interviews, contact:  

Rob Carolla, (214-208-1876 / rcarolla@yahoo.com)