Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

Next Event

Kristen_Wright_HW
Hannah Walker

Women's Volleyball

The Wright Choice: CSUB Volleyball Welcomes New Head Coach

Cal State Bakersfield has announced the hiring of Bakersfield native Kristen Wright as the next Head Coach of Roadrunner Volleyball.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – A national search for the new Head Coach of the Cal State Bakersfield volleyball team produced dozens of qualified applicants with elite accomplishments, but the candidate who stood out among the crowd was, coincidentally, originally from right down the street. CSUB Acting Director of Athletics Dr. Sarah Tuohy has announced that Bakersfield native Kristen Wright will take the helm of the Roadrunner volleyball program.

A Stockdale High School graduate who went on to earn All-America honors in college, Wright (née Hurst) has put together a coaching resume as equally as impressive. With championship coaching experience at every level of amateur volleyball, Wright brings coaching Hall of Fame and Coach of the Year accolades in her return to Kern County.

"From the moment we began this search," Tuohy said, "it was clear that Kristen was the right leader for this program. Her vision for Roadrunner Volleyball aligns directly with where we are headed as a department, and she has a proven ability to build programs back to championship caliber. There is no one better to represent and sell this university and the city of Bakersfield than someone who understands and loves this community so deeply."

Wright served the past eight seasons at the University of North Florida in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Inheriting a squad that posted a 13-19 record prior to her arrival in 2018, Wright quickly turned the program around, finishing with a 25-8 showing in just her third full season with the Ospreys.

During that 2021 run, Wright's squad made it to the NIVC Quarterfinals while resetting the program record for wins in a season with 25. She also guided the Ospreys to a program-high RPI of 49, ending with the highest final RPI at 75 and tallying the program's first-ever victory over a Power 5 squad.

"I want to thank Sarah Tuohy, President Harper, and the entire search committee for their belief in me as the next head coach for CSUB Volleyball," Wright said. "Bakersfield is my home and my love for volleyball began in the Icardo Center. I was impressed by the internal operations and vision of Sarah and her administrative support team. I think CSUB is in a unique time of creating vision, adapting to the rapid changes in the NCAA landscape and the leadership is something I will enjoy working with."

Boasting a track record of success, Wright's resume is flooded with championship achievements at all levels, including a CCCAA State title with the MiraCosta College beach volleyball team and nine-consecutive CIF San Diego Section Championships and six Southern California State Regional Championships with Tri-City Christian High School.

During her eight-year tenure at North Florida, Wright became the winningest coach in the program's Division I history (since 2005) with an overall record of 197-154. She coached 10 All-Conference selections, four ASUN Defensive Player of the Year honorees and one ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year, all while maintaining a team cumulative GPA between 3.3 and 3.7.

While Wright's journey followed a path that led to the other side of the country, she has remained rooted in Bakersfield and feels she is returning at the right time:

"This was also the right time for our family. My husband, Doug, is an elite Division I college beach volleyball coach, and returning to California allows our children, Bradyn and Kylee, to thrive during these important high school years while having their grandparents involved in their everyday lives. Some of my closest friends are here and thriving, and that sense of connection means everything to us. Home is truly where your people are."

A standout prep star, Wright was highly recruited out of Stockdale High School, but she turned down Power 5 offers to compete for the University of San Diego. Wright became a four-year starter and captain for the Toreros. The pin hitter was named an All-American while leading USD to the program's first-ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

In her return to the Central Valley, Wright brings the ability to recruit from all areas and all levels, including attracting four Power 5 recruits to her program. She also aims to reconnect the Bakersfield Volleyball community back to CSUB while building the program into a regular contender in The Big West.

"I am excited to reunify our community around CSUB Volleyball and to build a program that brings tremendous pride to Kern County," Wright added. "CSUB offers an outstanding educational experience in a place where student-athletes can truly live and thrive. Bakersfield provides the best of both worlds – an incredible community with a Midwest feel, where sports are part of the culture, while still enjoying all the benefits of the California dream, including proximity to the beach, mountains, lakes, theme parks, and major cities. What stands out most to me are the people. The passion, support, and pride in this community make Bakersfield special."

Cal State Bakersfield invites the community to join us at the Icardo Center on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 4:30 p.m. (PT) to welcome Wright with an introductory press conference. Stay tuned to GoRunners.com as well as on social media (@CSUB_Volleyball) as Wright sets out to build a staff, a roster, and a schedule for the upcoming 2026 season.

~GoRunners.com~
Print Friendly Version
California State University at Bakersfield Athletics loading logo