Dan Meske Tabbed to Helm Louisville Volleyball

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Dan Meske, who has served as the associate head coach for the Louisville Volleyball program for the last eight seasons, has been named Louisville Volleyball's next head coach, as announced by UofL Director of Athletics Josh Heird on Friday.

"I am thrilled to promote Dan Meske to the role of head coach," said Heird. "Throughout his tenure, Dan has had several opportunities to leave UofL for other head coaching roles, but he has stayed committed to making UofL one of the elite programs in the country. I am supremely confident in his ability to lead this program into the future in the same manner he has already helped guide us to where we are today during his time as the associate head coach. Dan is a proven leader, teacher, and program builder that will keep us on a national championship trajectory. We look forward to welcoming Dan as our head coach, along with his wife, Laurel and their three sons, Ryne, Maddox and Hendricks."

Meske becomes the eighth head coach in the program's history and brings more than 16 years of collegiate coaching experience, including working alongside former UofL head coach Dani Busboom Kelly for the Cardinals' historic rise to national prominence over the last eight seasons.

"I am incredibly proud and humbled to be the head coach of Louisville Volleyball," said Meske. "My last eight seasons in the 'Ville have been the best of my life, and I'd like to thank Josh Heird and Amy Calabrese for this amazing opportunity to continue to serve our athletes. Anyone who follows our program knows that there is a joy and love for each other and for the game within Louisville Volleyball, and I plan to keep it that way. Go Cards!"

After originally joining the Cardinals' coaching staff in 2017, Meske was instrumental in bringing the Cardinals into the national spotlight, capping the 2019 season off with the first regional final appearance in program history. The tournament run was highlighted by one of the largest upsets in collegiate volleyball as the Cards took down top-seeded Texas in the regional semifinal.

The Louisville Volleyball program continued to reach new heights with Meske's assistance in 2021, posting an undefeated regular season to capture another ACC title while accomplishing another program first by reaching the Final Four. While the team fell to eventual national champion Wisconsin, the Cards finished the season with a record of 32-1 (18-0 in ACC play).

Meske and the Cardinals followed up their unprecedented success with another banner year in 2022, reaching the national championship match for the first time in program history and finishing the season with a record of 31-3 and the program's third consecutive ACC title. At the conclusion of the season, Meske was recognized as the 2022 AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year, becoming the first male ever to win the award.

After falling in the NCAA regional final in 2023, Meske helped return the Cardinals to the Final Four in 2024, finishing the season on their home floor at the KFC Yum! Center with their second national runner-up finish in the last three years. The team finished the season at 30-6 with a 17-3 conference record.

Prior to joining the Louisville coaching staff in 2017, Meske served as the head coach at Augustana for two seasons after working as an assistant coach at Nebraska for eight years. Over the course of his coaching career, he has helped lead his teams to four national semifinals appearances, 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, and eight conference championships.
Meske and his wife Laurel have three sons: Ryne, Maddox and Hendricks.

What They Are Saying About Dan Meske

"There is no one in the country better than Dan Meske to lead Louisville Volleyball. Not only is he an amazing coach, but he is an incredible person who leads with integrity, passion, and love for his players. While I'm sad I won't be on the same sideline with Dan anymore, I want Louisville Volleyball to continue to break barriers, and Dan will work tirelessly to make sure the program succeeds." – Dani Busboom Kelly, University of Nebraska head coach, UofL Coach 2017-2024.

"No one is more deserving of the position than Dan. I've had the privilege of working with him and know what a phenomenal coach he is. He will fill that role perfectly"—Erik Sullivan, USA Women's National Team Coach

"The University of Louisville Women's Volleyball Program will be in great hands with the hiring of Dan Meske. Dan is a superb coach and has outstanding character. Having known Dan since his career at Ohio State, it is not surprising the success that he has achieved. He is a true leader." – Pete Hanson, Ohio State head men's volleyball coach (1985-2019), NCAA Champion coach in 2011, 2016 and 2017.

"Dan is one of the most hard-working coaches I've ever had and is always finding ways to improve himself every day. We would not have accomplished what we did these past few years without him. There is no one I trust more to take over this amazing program and continue the legacy Louisville volleyball is building." – Anna DeBeer, PVF Professional Volleyball Player Indy Ignite, UofL All-American

"Dan Meske is a brilliant volleyball mind and excellent teacher. His ability to communicate and put together tactical strategy is in part why Louisville volleyball climbed the national ranks during Dani Busboom Kelly's tenure as head coach. Keeping Meske in Louisville is a no brainer. The Cardinals are in extremely talented hands." – Katie George, ESPN/ABC sportscaster, UofL All-American.

"I am pumped for Dan Meske to take over Louisville Volleyball. Dan's been a winner at every program that he's been a part of, and I have no doubt this will continue as head coach." – Kirsten Bernthal Booth, Creighton head coach.

"Dan is such a great teacher and leader, and, for sure, the best coach I've ever had. I still call him today for help with my game or advice in general. What makes him special to me is how he really believes in the players at Louisville and what they can become. I know he'll continue to recruit special players and develop talent! I'm excited to see what he does." -- Anna Stevenson Hall, USA National Team, UofL All-American

"I can't think of anyone better than Dan Meske to lead the UofL Volleyball Program and continue to build a legacy of greatness! Anyone that has been part of this program in the last eight years knows that Dan has poured his heart and soul into its success and will continue to do so. He not only cares about building a dominant program, but also developing the individual athlete and person. He is a defensive mastermind but what makes him great is his hunger to learn, along with his passion to grow the game of volleyball. He is a natural leader and a coach that is easy to get behind and believe in. I'm so excited to see what's in store for him and Louisville Volleyball! L1C4!" -- Tori Dilfer Stringer, PVF Professional Volleyball Player, Columbus Fury, UofL All-American

"Anyone who has been part of Louisville Volleyball knows how incredible Dan is as a coach and leader. He sees the game like no other coach in college volleyball, and his ability to develop players—both on and off the court—has shaped countless All-Americans. I have no doubt he'll continue Louisville's tradition of excellence, and I'm excited to see how he guides the program forward." -- Amaya Tillman, UofL All-American

"I've known and worked with Coach Meske for several years. Let me simply say that he is elite and a tremendous choice. Louisville has set the bar very high on the volleyball court and they will not skip a beat with Dan as their Head Coach." – Paul Sunderland, ESPN volleyball commentator, Olympic volleyball gold medalist.

"Dan is not only well-liked in our sport, but extremely respected for his technical knowledge and hard work. We all know what a huge part of Louisville's success that he has been and it's great for volleyball that he will become a head coach." – Lee Feinswog, editor of 900 Square Feet.

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