Doug Wright Signs Multi-Year Extension to Lead North Florida Beach Volleyball!

Jacksonville, USA - The North Florida beach volleyball program is riding high with the recent announcement of Head Coach Doug Wright’s contract extension, ensuring his leadership through the 2029 season. This decision, revealed by North Florida Director of Athletics Nick Morrow, stands as a testament to Wright’s exceptional performance over his tenure. He boasts an impressive record of 100 wins and 48 losses, making him the fastest coach to reach this milestone in the program’s history. With back-to-back ASUN Conference Championship titles and a top-20 AVCA ranking in 2025, Wright’s contributions have been nothing short of vital.

Wright expressed his gratitude, stating, „It’s an honor to lead this program,“ recognizing the hard work and dedication of his student-athletes, staff, and the unwavering support from the university. Under his guidance, the team achieved a record 26 wins this past season, which ushered them into their second-ever NCAA Championship appearance, marking significant progress for the Ospreys. In fact, North Florida earned its highest-ever seed in the NCAA Championship, securing the No. 12 spot after a No. 16 seed in 2024.

Building a Winning Culture

During Wright’s stewardship, the team has consistently ranked as a top-three seed in the ASUN Conference Championship each season. This includes a remarkable tally of 26 selections on the ASUN Conference First and Second Teams across three consecutive seasons, showcasing the depth of talent within the team. For the first time, the Ospreys were ranked in every installment of the AVCA Collegiate Beach Coaches Poll in 2025, finishing impressively at No. 14.

It’s crucial to note that Wright also guided junior pair Presley Murray and Mackenzie Murphy to earn AVCA Top Flight Pair 1 honors this past season. His recognition as the 2023 ASUN Coach of the Year only further solidifies his position as a leader in collegiate athletics, with a history of at least 24 wins in each of his four seasons at North Florida.

A Part of the Beach Volleyball Community

Contributing to this vibrant beach volleyball environment in Florida is Kristen Wright, Doug’s counterpart in coaching as the Co-Owner and Staff Director at UNF. She brings over two decades of coaching expertise, having led teams to 27 championships across various sports and recognized as one of the Top 30 Under Thirty Coaches in the nation. Her own accolades reinforce the competitive yet nurturing atmosphere that programs like North Florida and others are fostering.

Just next door at Stetson University, Kristina Hernandez shines in her role as head coach, marking her twelfth season with an astonishing record of 242 wins and 115 losses. With a string of seven ASUN Conference Championships and four ASUN Coach of the Year honors, Hernandez is a formidable presence in the collegiate beach volleyball scene. Under her direction, Stetson has enjoyed its fair share of successes, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances and high rankings against tough opponents.

With programs led by dedicated coaches like Wright and Hernandez, beach volleyball in Florida continues to flourish, welcoming a new generation of athletes eager to make their mark on the sport. As the championship seasons unfold, the commitment to excellence remains paramount, ensuring that both North Florida and Stetson remain at the forefront of collegiate beach volleyball.