WELCOME to DEACTOWN! Jeff Hulsmeyer Brings Wealth of Experience, ACC Expertise & Proven Results as New Wake Forest Volleyball Head Coach
1/9/2025 2:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
A 30 year collegiate volleyball professional, Hulsmeyer brings proven program-building expertise in recruiting, training and team leadership as the 13th head coach in Demon Deacons program history.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Following an inclusive and intensive national search process, current Florida State associate head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer has been named by vice-president and director of athletics John Currie as the 13th leader of the Demon Deacons women's volleyball program.
Hulsmeyer comes to DEACTOWN following 10 seasons at FSU, where he most recently helped guide the Seminoles to a ninth-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. In each of the last two fall seasons (2023-24), Florida State has been consistently ranked within the American Volleyball Coaches Association's (AVCA) Top 25 Coaches Poll. Additionally, the team was crowned co-champions of the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship – a first such achievement for the program since 2012. Hulsmeyer handled several duties during his time with the Seminoles, including development of the team's setters, recruiting, scouting opponents in match preparation and handling the implementation of the team's training program. Florida State produced five seasons of 20-plus wins, along with 12 All-Americans, two ACC Player of the Year nods, an ACC Rookie of the Year and 31 All-ACC selections during Hulsmeyer's time in Tallahassee.
"I am honored and humbled to join Wake Forest and lead the Demon Deacons volleyball program," Coach Hulsmeyer said. "Wake Forest is a place where academics and athletics are truly integrated, and I am committed to building a championship-caliber program that reflects the values of this exceptional institution. My family and I are thrilled to become part of the Deacon family, and I can't wait to get to work with our incredible student-athletes, staff, and supporters."
"At Wake Forest, we are committed to fostering an environment where our students thrive academically, athletically, and personally," President Susan R. Wente said. "Jeff Hulsmeyer embodies this commitment, and has a clear vision for developing our volleyball program to compete at the highest level while prioritizing the holistic growth of our student-athletes. I am thrilled to welcome Jeff and his family to our Wake Forest community as we look forward to this new chapter of Demon Deacons volleyball."
"Over the last several years, the Atlantic Coast Conference has rapidly emerged as the premier collegiate volleyball conference in the country," said Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "Jeff Hulsmeyer's dedication to student-athlete development, combined with his expertise as a recruiter, tactician, and trainer, along with his deep familiarity with the ACC and passion for the sport, make him an ideal leader for our program. With Wake Forest's strengths—including top-tier academics, elite athletic facilities, and a prime location in North Carolina—we are well-positioned to build a consistently competitive volleyball program. We believe Coach Hulsmeyer is the right person to lead Demon Deacons volleyball to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and beyond."
The search for the Demon Deacons' new volleyball head coach was led by Deputy AD Lindsey Babcock, who shared, "We had an exceptionally talented and diverse pool of candidates, but Jeff Hulsmeyer stood out throughout the process. His professionalism, championship experience, and vision for the program align seamlessly with Wake Forest's values and aspirations. Jeff is the perfect choice to elevate our volleyball program to new heights. We are excited to welcome Jeff, Michelle, and their family to DEACTOWN and look forward to a bright future for Demon Deacons volleyball under his leadership."
Hulsmeyer brings over three decades worth of coaching experience at the collegiate level. In addition to his time at Florida State, he previously was the offensive and recruiting coordinator of Kansas State's volleyball program for six years, following head coaching stints at both Georgetown College and Purdue University. The late 1990s involved him being an assistant coach at Illinois, preceded by three years apiece as head coach of Arkansas State and Western Kentucky, where he began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant for the latter.
At the helm of Arkansas State, Hulsmeyer captured three Sun Belt regular-season titles and two conference tournament championships. His personal accolades include two Sun Belt Coach of the Year awards, earning the honor in 1990 at Western Kentucky during his first season as a head coach and again, three years later, at Arkansas State in 1994. While leading Georgetown College, Hulsmeyer was named the Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year and Region XI Coach of the Year twice (2007-08).
Off the court, Hulsmeyer has helped a plethora of student-athletes succeed in the classroom. His tenure at Florida State involved 39 All-ACC Academic Team selections. Kansas State took home the USMC/AVCA Academic Team Award in five of Hulsmeyer's six seasons with the Wildcats. In 2001, during Hulsmeyer's third year, the Purdue volleyball team claimed the President's Cup – given to the university's sports program with the highest cumulative grade-point average. The Boilermakers also landed 19 Academic All-Big Ten picks during Hulsmeyer's four seasons.
Florida State (2015-24)
Through the last ten seasons, Hulsmeyer and the Seminoles posted a 203-90 overall record. The team went 21-10 overall in fall 2024, with a 13-7 clip in conference play. Florida State ultimately finished the regular season with a national ranking of No. 21 and rested sixth in the ACC standings. 2023 and 2024 marked the best back-to-back seasons of combined wins (44) for the program since 2015-16.
A major piece of Florida State's memorable 2023 season, Hulsmeyer won the ACC regular season title with the Seminoles, as the team went 23-9 overall and 16-2 in the league. Mainly working with primary setters Jelli Draskovic and Kenna Phelan, Hulsmeyer helped the pair enjoy strong individual years, with Phelan going on to earn a spot on the All-ACC Freshman Team.
Overcoming adversity in an injury-riddled season during 2022, the Seminoles nevertheless made another NCAA Tournament appearance after finishing 19-11 overall and 11-7 in conference play. For the second year in a row, five players earned all-conference honors. Hulsmeyer again played an instrumental role in 2021, pacing Florida State to its first 20-win season since 2016. The season featured the team finishing 20th in the NCAA RPI. Hulsmeyer guided graduate transfer setter Olivia Dailey in 2020, as the newcomer tallied 477 assists in the Seminoles' shortened 18-match season.
Hulsmeyer's experience in the setting aspect of the sport included building the standout tandem of Brianne Burkert and Hailey Luke from 2015-18. Tabbed to the All-ACC Freshman Team in 2015, Burkert became the eighth setter in Florida State's rally scoring history to collect at least 700 assists in 2016, as she recorded a team-high 771. Hulsmeyer's on-court work with Luke allowed her to enjoy the best statistical season of her career, totaling 729 assists, including 453 in conference matches. The dual threat of Burkert and Luke translated to Florida State posting the league's best hitting percentage (.271) against ACC opponents in Hulsmeyer's first year on the sideline during 2015.
Florida State made the NCAA Tournament in each of Hulsmeyer's 10 seasons on staff, excluding the shortened 2020 campaign when the postseason event did not take place.
Kansas State (2009-14)
Serving as an assistant coach in the Wildcats' program for six seasons, Hulsmeyer helped the team take off in 2011, earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 after being selected to finish eighth in the Big 12. Kansas State finished 22-11 overall that season while picking up wins over nine conference foes. A year later, the Wildcats again crossed over 20 wins, going 21-9 with another trip to the NCAA Tournament.
In 2014, the Wildcats made their way into the AVCA's Top 25 season rankings, finishing with a record of 22-9 and a first-round NCAA Tournament showing. Hulsmeyer worked heavily with the team's setters while putting together one of the top recruiting classes in the country, ranked 27th nationally by PrepVolleyball.com as the second-highest ranked Big 12 school.
In total, Hulsmeyer helped the Wildcats make three NCAA Tournament appearances. Kansas State notched 12 all-conference selections during his time, including the Big 12 Freshman of the Year Kylee Zumach.
Georgetown College (2007-08)
Hulsmeyer saw immediate success at the helm of Georgetown College's volleyball team, leading the Tigers to a 75-14 record in two seasons.
During Hulsmeyer's first season in the city of Georgetown, the team earned a No. 5 national ranking in 2007, winning nine of 10 Mid-South Conference matchups. The Tigers dominated all season en route to a 39-6 overall mark. The following season saw the team go undefeated in conference play, 12-0, winning 36 matches for the fall.
A pair of players, Erica Janszen and Jenna Gronotte, were honored as NAIA All-Americans during Hulsmeyer's two years.
Purdue (1999-02)
As head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers for four seasons, Hulsmeyer and the team earned 15 wins in his first year in 1999 while also knocking off nationally-ranked foes in No. 18 Michigan and No. 23 Illinois. In 2000, Purdue bested No. 25 Michigan in a 3-1 victory and tallied the school's first road victory over Illinois in Huff Hall. Hulsmeyer's 2002 recruiting class ranked 11th in the nation.
Illinois (1996-98)
Hulsmeyer served as an assistant coach at Illinois for three years, where he especially saw success on the recruiting trail, helping bring in elite prospects to the Fighting Illini's program. The team reached the regional semifinal of the 1998 NCAA Tournament during his last season in Champaign, finishing with a No. 14 national ranking and 22-11 overall record. Illinois also grabbed 13 conference wins that same 1998 season – its best mark since 1993.
Arkansas State (1993-95)
Pacing the then-Lady Indians to one of their strongest three-year runs in school history, Hulsmeyer strung an 85-27 record in his three seasons, each of which involved 26 or more victories. Arkansas State went undefeated in Sun Belt play each year, finishing 27-0 by the end of Hulsmeyer's tenure. The team was one of the league's best in home court protection during that stretch, going 45-4. Hulsmeyer's first year resulted in stacking 32 wins and a title victory in the 1993 National Invitation Volleyball Championship (NIVC). Margie Kolat and Lauren Fair were named the Sun Belt Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995, respectively, while six total players earned All-Sun Belt honors.
Western Kentucky (1990-92)
Taking over the volleyball program at Western Kentucky following a year in which he worked as a graduate assistant, Hulsmeyer created one of the best turnaround years in school history – leading the team to a 32-9 record in 1990, his first season, after the Lady Toppers went 10-25 a year prior. His three years involved two conference runner-up finishes and a 74-42 overall record – a win total that stands third-best among all-time WKU coaches. Hulsmeyer's win percentage (.638) is also the second-highest clip within program records. Three of Hulsmeyer's players placed on the All-Sun Belt Conference Team while five earned Sun Belt All-Tournament Team honors.
Head Coaching Record
Personal Information
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Education: Kentucky '88 (B.S. in Political Science)
Hulsmeyer and his wife, Michelle, have four children, Zach, Ben, Hannah and Jack.
What They're Saying...
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Hulsmeyer comes to DEACTOWN following 10 seasons at FSU, where he most recently helped guide the Seminoles to a ninth-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. In each of the last two fall seasons (2023-24), Florida State has been consistently ranked within the American Volleyball Coaches Association's (AVCA) Top 25 Coaches Poll. Additionally, the team was crowned co-champions of the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship – a first such achievement for the program since 2012. Hulsmeyer handled several duties during his time with the Seminoles, including development of the team's setters, recruiting, scouting opponents in match preparation and handling the implementation of the team's training program. Florida State produced five seasons of 20-plus wins, along with 12 All-Americans, two ACC Player of the Year nods, an ACC Rookie of the Year and 31 All-ACC selections during Hulsmeyer's time in Tallahassee.
"I am honored and humbled to join Wake Forest and lead the Demon Deacons volleyball program," Coach Hulsmeyer said. "Wake Forest is a place where academics and athletics are truly integrated, and I am committed to building a championship-caliber program that reflects the values of this exceptional institution. My family and I are thrilled to become part of the Deacon family, and I can't wait to get to work with our incredible student-athletes, staff, and supporters."
"At Wake Forest, we are committed to fostering an environment where our students thrive academically, athletically, and personally," President Susan R. Wente said. "Jeff Hulsmeyer embodies this commitment, and has a clear vision for developing our volleyball program to compete at the highest level while prioritizing the holistic growth of our student-athletes. I am thrilled to welcome Jeff and his family to our Wake Forest community as we look forward to this new chapter of Demon Deacons volleyball."
"Over the last several years, the Atlantic Coast Conference has rapidly emerged as the premier collegiate volleyball conference in the country," said Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "Jeff Hulsmeyer's dedication to student-athlete development, combined with his expertise as a recruiter, tactician, and trainer, along with his deep familiarity with the ACC and passion for the sport, make him an ideal leader for our program. With Wake Forest's strengths—including top-tier academics, elite athletic facilities, and a prime location in North Carolina—we are well-positioned to build a consistently competitive volleyball program. We believe Coach Hulsmeyer is the right person to lead Demon Deacons volleyball to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and beyond."
The search for the Demon Deacons' new volleyball head coach was led by Deputy AD Lindsey Babcock, who shared, "We had an exceptionally talented and diverse pool of candidates, but Jeff Hulsmeyer stood out throughout the process. His professionalism, championship experience, and vision for the program align seamlessly with Wake Forest's values and aspirations. Jeff is the perfect choice to elevate our volleyball program to new heights. We are excited to welcome Jeff, Michelle, and their family to DEACTOWN and look forward to a bright future for Demon Deacons volleyball under his leadership."
Hulsmeyer brings over three decades worth of coaching experience at the collegiate level. In addition to his time at Florida State, he previously was the offensive and recruiting coordinator of Kansas State's volleyball program for six years, following head coaching stints at both Georgetown College and Purdue University. The late 1990s involved him being an assistant coach at Illinois, preceded by three years apiece as head coach of Arkansas State and Western Kentucky, where he began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant for the latter.
At the helm of Arkansas State, Hulsmeyer captured three Sun Belt regular-season titles and two conference tournament championships. His personal accolades include two Sun Belt Coach of the Year awards, earning the honor in 1990 at Western Kentucky during his first season as a head coach and again, three years later, at Arkansas State in 1994. While leading Georgetown College, Hulsmeyer was named the Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year and Region XI Coach of the Year twice (2007-08).
Off the court, Hulsmeyer has helped a plethora of student-athletes succeed in the classroom. His tenure at Florida State involved 39 All-ACC Academic Team selections. Kansas State took home the USMC/AVCA Academic Team Award in five of Hulsmeyer's six seasons with the Wildcats. In 2001, during Hulsmeyer's third year, the Purdue volleyball team claimed the President's Cup – given to the university's sports program with the highest cumulative grade-point average. The Boilermakers also landed 19 Academic All-Big Ten picks during Hulsmeyer's four seasons.
Florida State (2015-24)
Through the last ten seasons, Hulsmeyer and the Seminoles posted a 203-90 overall record. The team went 21-10 overall in fall 2024, with a 13-7 clip in conference play. Florida State ultimately finished the regular season with a national ranking of No. 21 and rested sixth in the ACC standings. 2023 and 2024 marked the best back-to-back seasons of combined wins (44) for the program since 2015-16.
A major piece of Florida State's memorable 2023 season, Hulsmeyer won the ACC regular season title with the Seminoles, as the team went 23-9 overall and 16-2 in the league. Mainly working with primary setters Jelli Draskovic and Kenna Phelan, Hulsmeyer helped the pair enjoy strong individual years, with Phelan going on to earn a spot on the All-ACC Freshman Team.
Overcoming adversity in an injury-riddled season during 2022, the Seminoles nevertheless made another NCAA Tournament appearance after finishing 19-11 overall and 11-7 in conference play. For the second year in a row, five players earned all-conference honors. Hulsmeyer again played an instrumental role in 2021, pacing Florida State to its first 20-win season since 2016. The season featured the team finishing 20th in the NCAA RPI. Hulsmeyer guided graduate transfer setter Olivia Dailey in 2020, as the newcomer tallied 477 assists in the Seminoles' shortened 18-match season.
Hulsmeyer's experience in the setting aspect of the sport included building the standout tandem of Brianne Burkert and Hailey Luke from 2015-18. Tabbed to the All-ACC Freshman Team in 2015, Burkert became the eighth setter in Florida State's rally scoring history to collect at least 700 assists in 2016, as she recorded a team-high 771. Hulsmeyer's on-court work with Luke allowed her to enjoy the best statistical season of her career, totaling 729 assists, including 453 in conference matches. The dual threat of Burkert and Luke translated to Florida State posting the league's best hitting percentage (.271) against ACC opponents in Hulsmeyer's first year on the sideline during 2015.
Florida State made the NCAA Tournament in each of Hulsmeyer's 10 seasons on staff, excluding the shortened 2020 campaign when the postseason event did not take place.
Kansas State (2009-14)
Serving as an assistant coach in the Wildcats' program for six seasons, Hulsmeyer helped the team take off in 2011, earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 after being selected to finish eighth in the Big 12. Kansas State finished 22-11 overall that season while picking up wins over nine conference foes. A year later, the Wildcats again crossed over 20 wins, going 21-9 with another trip to the NCAA Tournament.
In 2014, the Wildcats made their way into the AVCA's Top 25 season rankings, finishing with a record of 22-9 and a first-round NCAA Tournament showing. Hulsmeyer worked heavily with the team's setters while putting together one of the top recruiting classes in the country, ranked 27th nationally by PrepVolleyball.com as the second-highest ranked Big 12 school.
In total, Hulsmeyer helped the Wildcats make three NCAA Tournament appearances. Kansas State notched 12 all-conference selections during his time, including the Big 12 Freshman of the Year Kylee Zumach.
Georgetown College (2007-08)
Hulsmeyer saw immediate success at the helm of Georgetown College's volleyball team, leading the Tigers to a 75-14 record in two seasons.
During Hulsmeyer's first season in the city of Georgetown, the team earned a No. 5 national ranking in 2007, winning nine of 10 Mid-South Conference matchups. The Tigers dominated all season en route to a 39-6 overall mark. The following season saw the team go undefeated in conference play, 12-0, winning 36 matches for the fall.
A pair of players, Erica Janszen and Jenna Gronotte, were honored as NAIA All-Americans during Hulsmeyer's two years.
Purdue (1999-02)
As head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers for four seasons, Hulsmeyer and the team earned 15 wins in his first year in 1999 while also knocking off nationally-ranked foes in No. 18 Michigan and No. 23 Illinois. In 2000, Purdue bested No. 25 Michigan in a 3-1 victory and tallied the school's first road victory over Illinois in Huff Hall. Hulsmeyer's 2002 recruiting class ranked 11th in the nation.
Illinois (1996-98)
Hulsmeyer served as an assistant coach at Illinois for three years, where he especially saw success on the recruiting trail, helping bring in elite prospects to the Fighting Illini's program. The team reached the regional semifinal of the 1998 NCAA Tournament during his last season in Champaign, finishing with a No. 14 national ranking and 22-11 overall record. Illinois also grabbed 13 conference wins that same 1998 season – its best mark since 1993.
Arkansas State (1993-95)
Pacing the then-Lady Indians to one of their strongest three-year runs in school history, Hulsmeyer strung an 85-27 record in his three seasons, each of which involved 26 or more victories. Arkansas State went undefeated in Sun Belt play each year, finishing 27-0 by the end of Hulsmeyer's tenure. The team was one of the league's best in home court protection during that stretch, going 45-4. Hulsmeyer's first year resulted in stacking 32 wins and a title victory in the 1993 National Invitation Volleyball Championship (NIVC). Margie Kolat and Lauren Fair were named the Sun Belt Player of the Year in 1994 and 1995, respectively, while six total players earned All-Sun Belt honors.
Western Kentucky (1990-92)
Taking over the volleyball program at Western Kentucky following a year in which he worked as a graduate assistant, Hulsmeyer created one of the best turnaround years in school history – leading the team to a 32-9 record in 1990, his first season, after the Lady Toppers went 10-25 a year prior. His three years involved two conference runner-up finishes and a 74-42 overall record – a win total that stands third-best among all-time WKU coaches. Hulsmeyer's win percentage (.638) is also the second-highest clip within program records. Three of Hulsmeyer's players placed on the All-Sun Belt Conference Team while five earned Sun Belt All-Tournament Team honors.
Head Coaching Record
| School | Year | Overall Record | Overall Win % | Conf. Record | Conf. Win % |
| Georgetown College | 2008 | 36-8 | .818 | 12-0 | 1.000 |
| Georgetown College | 2007 | 39-6 | .867 | 9-1 | .900 |
| Total at GC | 75-14 | .843 | 21-1 | .954 | |
| Purdue | 2002 | 12-21 | .364 | 2-18 | .100 |
| Purdue | 2001 | 4-25 | .138 | 1-19 | .050 |
| Purdue | 2000 | 13-19 | .406 | 5-15 | .250 |
| Purdue | 1999 | 15-14 | .517 | 7-13 | .350 |
| Total at Purdue | 44-79 | .358 | 15-65 | .187 | |
| Arkansas State | 1995 | 27-7 | .794 | 9-0 | 1.000 |
| Arkansas State | 1994 | 26-7 | .788 | 9-0 | 1.000 |
| Arkansas State | 1993 | 32-13 | .711 | 9-0 | 1.000 |
| Total at ASU | 85-27 | .759 | 27-0 | 1.000 | |
| Western Kentucky | 1992 | 13-20 | .394 | 7-2 | .778 |
| Western Kentucky | 1991 | 29-13 | .690 | 4-0 | 1.000 |
| Western Kentucky | 1990 | 32-9 | .780 | N/A | N/A |
| Total at WKU | 74-42 | .638 | 11-2 | .846 | |
| Overall Career | 278-162 | .632 | 74-68 | .521 |
Personal Information
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Education: Kentucky '88 (B.S. in Political Science)
Hulsmeyer and his wife, Michelle, have four children, Zach, Ben, Hannah and Jack.
What They're Saying...
- Chris Poole, Florida State Head Volleyball Coach:
- "I've known Jeff for around 35 years. We are fortunate to have teamed up the last 10 years and he will be missed. Wake Forest is getting a coach and family that have high character and are great role models. Jeff has coached at the highest collegiate level and understands how to build a program."
- Travis Hudson, Western Kentucky Head Volleyball Coach:
- "Jeff Hulsmeyer is everything that is right in college athletics. He is a developer of talent in the practice gym and one of the best gameday coaches I have ever been around. However, his best trait is he is a man of great character and integrity. It is no mistake that he has been successful at every stop in his coaching career. Wake Forest volleyball is in good hands!"
- Jordana Price, Tulane Head Indoor Volleyball Coach:
- "Jeff's unwavering work ethic, kind heart and exceptional ability to develop players set a standard of excellence in both coaching and character. Working side by side with Jeff for five seasons helped shape me into a better coach and person. If I ever need help, Jeff has always been there to provide great insight. His dedication to fostering personal growth for his student-athletes has helped shape countless players, including many All-Americans, leaving an impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to have him as a coach. More than a coach, he is a true mentor and an inspiration, whose impact extends far beyond the volleyball court."
- Susie Fritz, Head Coach of League One Volleyball:
- "I'm so excited for Jeff and his family. He is a wonderful volleyball coach, but an even better person. He leads with character, integrity and high-level experience and is a great hire for Wake Forest."
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