BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University athletic department today announced Nick Noll as interim head volleyball coach.

Nick Noll served as the graduate assistant for the Howard Payne volleyball program for the past two seasons (2023-2024), helping guide the Lady Jackets to back-to-back American Southwest Conference tournament appearances.

"We're confident in Coach Noll's ability to lead the volleyball program during this transitional period," said Adam Bright director of athletics. "As someone who has been involved with the program the last several years, he has already demonstrated a deep understanding of our team culture and a tireless work ethic. We're excited to see his continued impact as interim head coach and look forward to a great 2025 season."

From 2022 to the 2023 season, the Lady Jackets added nine additional wins to their totals and continued to improve in 2024, going 13-13 overall on the year.

During Coach Noll's time as an assistant, HPU landed eight players on all-conference teams, including 2024 ASC Freshman of the Year, Tara Bennett.

In Coach Noll's first season as an assistant in 2023, the Lady Jackets picked up their first ASC postseason win in HPU volleyball history.

Howard Payne will open the 2025 season on August 29th-30th at the University of Dallas Tournament in Irving, Texas. The Lady Jacket home opener will be on September 2nd versus Texas College at 6:00 pm in the Brownwood Coliseum. HPU will start conference play on home on September 19th versus Hardin-Simmons at 6:00 pm.

Admission to HPU home volleyball matches is free. Find links to live stats and video at HPUsports.com.