UNLV volleyball adds Matt Kuelpman as the new Assistant Coach, praised for his character, professionalism, and deep passion for the sport. Head coach Malia Shoji is optimistic about Kuelpman鈥檚 alignment with the team's vision, citing his mentorship under respected coaches and coaching experience. Previously, Kuelpman served as an assistant coach at New Mexico, where he led the Lobos to significant performance improvements and All-MW honors for players. His prior experience also includes four years at Weber State, where he contributed to championship successes and enhanced team metrics.

By the Numbers
  • In 2023, Kuelpman's Lobos averaged 12.26 kills per set.
  • Two Lobos players earned All-MW honors with nearly 400 kills each (Uxue Guereca: 393, Kaitlynn Biassou: 382).
Yes, But

Despite Kuelpman鈥檚 promising background and potential, the team still faces challenges in maintaining performance levels and competing against top-tier opponents in a competitive conference.

State of Play
  • Kuelpman marks the latest addition to a UNLV volleyball program striving for higher competitiveness and cohesive team development.
  • UNLV is coming off a season where they were eliminated in the first round of the MW Tournament after a close match against UNM.
What's Next

With Kuelpman's expertise, the team is looking to enhance its offensive strategies and improve overall performance in the upcoming season, potentially aiming for a successful push in the Mountain West Tournament.

Bottom Line

Kuelpman's appointment signals a strategic move for UNLV volleyball, aiming to build on recent successes and re-establish the program鈥檚 competitiveness in the conference landscape.