Abby Gilleland named new UNF volleyball coach

Former Florida assistant takes over Ospreys program, aims to lead team to first ASUN title

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Abby Gilleland has been named the new head volleyball coach at the University of North Florida, taking over for Kristen Wright who resigned in December. Gilleland, who previously served as an assistant coach at several schools including Florida, is tasked with leading the Ospreys to their first ASUN Conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth.

Why it matters

The UNF volleyball program has struggled in recent years, finishing 14-17 in 2025 and failing to make the NCAA Tournament. Gilleland's hiring represents a fresh start and high expectations for the Ospreys to become a consistent contender in the ASUN under her leadership.

The details

Gilleland, who was part of Florida's NCAA Tournament run in 2025, inherits a UNF roster that is expected to return around 15 players from last season. She plans to emphasize positive relationships, developing the whole player, and instilling a championship mindset in the team. Gilleland will also work on assembling her coaching staff in the coming weeks and preparing the team for its spring exhibition schedule ahead of the 2026 season.

  • Gilleland was named UNF's new head volleyball coach on February 10, 2026.
  • The Ospreys finished the 2025 season with a 14-17 record and 7-9 in ASUN play, losing in the second round of the conference tournament.

The players

Abby Gilleland

The new head volleyball coach at the University of North Florida, taking over for Kristen Wright. Gilleland previously served as an assistant coach at several schools including Florida, where she was part of the team's NCAA Tournament run in 2025.

Kristen Wright

The former head volleyball coach at UNF, who resigned from the position in December after eight seasons as the all-time victory leader in Osprey history. Wright finished 117-122 at UNF and recorded the school's best ASUN regular-season finish, second, in 2021.

Nick Morrow

The athletic director at the University of North Florida, who expressed confidence that Gilleland can lead the Ospreys to their first ASUN championship and NCAA Tournament berth.

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What they’re saying

“When I first met with them, I said, 'Hey, change is hard, and all of you are going to process it in different ways.' I really just wanted them to embrace that and feel comfortable, and I think the biggest way is just building that trust and consistency.”

— Abby Gilleland, Head Volleyball Coach, University of North Florida (jacksonville.com)

“She carries herself with confidence, with calm and inspires trust.”

— Nick Morrow, Athletic Director, University of North Florida (jacksonville.com)

What’s next

In the coming weeks, Gilleland said UNF will roll out its spring exhibition calendar, working toward the full schedule that begins in August. She also expects to begin assembling her coaching staff soon, ideally in February.

The takeaway

Gilleland's hiring represents a fresh start and high expectations for the UNF volleyball program to become a consistent contender in the ASUN Conference under her leadership. Her emphasis on positive relationships, developing the whole player, and instilling a championship mindset could help the Ospreys achieve their first ASUN title and NCAA Tournament berth.