WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Dustin Sahlmann has been named head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball program. He will be the fourth head coach in the program’s history.
University officials announced the hiring today. Sahlmann’s first official day is Feb. 2.
“It is exciting to enter the next era of Grizzly Volleyball with Coach Dustin Sahlmann as our head coach,” MSU-WP Athletic Director Rachel Peterson said. “His experience at many levels, authentic personality and love for the game make him the right person for our student-athletes, the Grizzly Athletics team and the community. I look forward to seeing the excellence that has defined Grizzly Volleyball for more than three decades continue under his leadership.”
Sahlmann brings more than 15 years of collegiate volleyball coaching experience to MSU-WP, including nearly 10 years as a head coach. He comes from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, where he served as men’s volleyball head coach for three seasons, competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. He was named the Great Plains Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2024.
Prior to his time in Salina, Sahlmann was head women’s volleyball coach at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas, for two seasons (2021–22) and at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff for three seasons (2015–18). While at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, he coached the Lady Lions to more conference victories in three seasons than any other coach in program history (26) and coached the 2017 Southwestern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year, as well as the 2018 conference leader in kills per set and points per set.
He also spent time as an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, and the University of New Orleans.
Sahlmann said his coaching journey has prepared him well for the challenges of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
“All my stops have helped me develop relationships across the country, and those connections will help in recruiting quality players to MSU-WP,” Sahlmann said.
He is eager to continue Grizzly Volleyball’s tradition as a winning program. He believes his coaching experience, combined with a focus on player development, will energize both fans and the community.
“I respect the tradition Grizzly Volleyball has in this community,” Sahlmann said. “You can feel how tight-knit the community is through its involvement in Grizzly Athletics. I had the opportunity to work the NJCAA National Tournament when it was held in West Plains and was amazed at how the entire community came together to make it a successful event. I want our players to feel that same connection and embrace the West Plains community while they are here.”
Sahlmann sets strong expectations for his players, both on the court and in the classroom.
“I want to help set these student-athletes up for long-term success in life,” Sahlmann said. “Volleyball won’t last forever, but an education will. I want to create strong principles in every player who comes through our program.”
For more information about Grizzly Volleyball, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com
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