Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Volleyball Coach Ari Aganus Signs Extension
4/27/2023 2:30:00 PM | Volleyball
New deal keeps Herd leader on board through 2027
Volleyball Championship Fund | Purchase 2023 Season Tickets Here
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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University Director of Athletics Christian Spears announced on Thursday that volleyball coach Ari Aganus has agreed to a contract extension with the Thundering Herd.
The contract, which was approved on Wednesday by Marshall University's Board of Governors, will keep Aganus as the leader of Marshall volleyball through 2027.
"As a coach, receiving a contract extension is a significant accomplishment and a moment of great gratitude," Aganus said. "I want to thank President Brad Smith, Athletic Director Christian Spears and our sport administrator, Executive Associate Athletic Director Debra Boughton, for believing in my abilities and trusting me to lead the team toward success. I will take this opportunity to continue building on relationships with players, staff, alumni, and our amazing community while implementing new strategies and goals to further improve the team's performance."
Aganus brings high energy and a positive attitude to each day, which falls directly in line with the values Spears is instilling within the Athletics Department at Marshall University.
"Normally, a championship is won before the team and the student-athletes have a culture that is unbelievable," Marshall Director of Athletics Christian Spears said. "When an awesome culture comes before a championship, it's the mark of a person or people that build a value system first. That is what Ari has done here at Marshall. When we do win – and we will – it will be so much sweeter. I couldn't be more thrilled to announce Ari's extension!"
In addition to being a leader in coaching her team, Aganus has taken a leadership role within Marshall Athletics' community outreach efforts.
Aganus has been a keynote speaker in the "Marshall For All, Marshall Forever" Tour implemented by Smith to recruit in-state students to Marshall University.
"Ari Aganus' dedication to her student-athletes is only matched by her passion for community service," Smith said. "Her enthusiasm is infectious – it was on full display while interacting with high school students at our recent academic signing days – and her commitment to excellence is inspiring. I have delighted to have her continue as our head volleyball coach."
In addition to the "Marshall For All, Marshall Forever" Tour, Aganus' team has also been recognized for its work within the community, recently winning the "We Are Marshall" Award at The Marcos, which goes to the team whose athletes demonstrate the strongest commitment to making an impact in the community.
Olivia Fogo, who has learned under Aganus as part of Marshall's volleyball team, also was presented with the Chad Pennington Leadership Award, which was presented to the student-athlete who demonstrates the quality of leadership in each aspect of their lives – on the field of play, in the classroom and within the community.
Over the next few weeks, Aganus will be one of several coaches serving as ambassadors on the Big Green Coaches Tour, which connects Marshall University Athletics to the communities in West Virginia and with areas featuring large alumni chapters.
This announcement comes at a time when momentum is building for Aganus' volleyball program.
When the team takes the floor for the 2023 season, it will do so on its brand-new Taraflex floor that was installed in March. The first chance for Marshall fans to check out the new Taraflex floor will be during the Marshall Invitational, which goes from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, so save the date.
Ticket sales for the 2023 volleyball season are now available. Season tickets start at $25 and, for the first time in Marshall history, courtside tickets are being offered. Click HERE for more information.
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