Meadville Native Matt Werle Named Head Coach at UCLA

Werle takes over women's volleyball program at prestigious university

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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UCLA Athletics has named Matt Werle, a native of Meadville, Pennsylvania, as the next head coach of the UCLA women's volleyball program. Werle, who has extensive coaching experience at the collegiate level, will now lead one of the top volleyball programs in the country.

Why it matters

Werle's hiring represents an opportunity for a coach with deep roots in the local community to take over a high-profile Division I program. His success or failure in this role could impact the trajectory of the UCLA women's volleyball team for years to come.

The details

Werle, 42, has spent the past decade as an assistant coach at several Division I programs, including stints at Penn State and Nebraska. He has a reputation as a strong recruiter and tactician, and is known for his ability to develop young talent. In his new role, Werle will be tasked with returning the UCLA women's volleyball program to national prominence after a few down seasons.

  • Werle was named the new UCLA women's volleyball head coach on February 10, 2026.

The players

Matt Werle

A 42-year-old native of Meadville, Pennsylvania, who has been named the new head coach of the UCLA women's volleyball program.

UCLA Athletics

The athletic department of the University of California, Los Angeles, which has hired Matt Werle as the new head coach of the women's volleyball program.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt Werle to UCLA and entrust him with leading our women's volleyball program. His track record of success and player development make him the ideal candidate to return us to national prominence.”

— Martin Jarmond, UCLA Athletic Director (wn.com)

What’s next

Werle will begin assembling his coaching staff and recruiting players to join the UCLA women's volleyball program ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Werle's hiring represents an opportunity for a local coaching talent to take the reins of a storied Division I program and potentially revive its fortunes on the national stage.