Wiley University is pleased to announce the official appointment of Chinonye Onwuchekwa, DBA, as the new Head Volleyball Coach, effective immediately. Dr. Onwuchekwa, a distinguished member of the Wiley University faculty, takes the helm to lead the Lady Wildcats program.
Dr. Onwuchekwa is already deeply connected to the University, currently serving in her second year as a Professor of Business Management and Director of the Financial Literacy and Wellness Center. She initially stepped up as interim head coach in September, successfully guiding the team through the final seven matches of the season.
An Educator and Athlete at the Helm
Dr. Onwuchekwa brings a unique blend of academic success and athletic experience to the position. She is a former collegiate athlete who played volleyball at Warner University (Fla.) and Lake Sumter College (Fla.).
“Wiley University perfectly aligns with my purpose, values, and journey as an educator and coach,” Dr. Onwuchekwa said. “As a former student-athlete, volleyball instilled the discipline, confidence, leadership, and work ethic that carried me from the court to the classroom, ultimately leading to my Doctorate in Business Administration and my career as a professor. I am committed to helping build a competitive, disciplined, and proud volleyball program, one grounded in accountability, academic success, and personal growth.”
Maintaining Academic Excellence
As a faculty member, Dr. Onwuchekwa will play a pivotal role in ensuring the program maintains its impressive academic standards. In the 2024-25 season, the Lady Wildcats volleyball team achieved the highest grade-point average (GPA) in the athletic department at 3.69. Furthermore, 16 of 17 players held a 3.0 or higher, and 10 students were named 2025 Fall NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes (for a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher).
A Supportive Presence and Ambitious Future
Interim Director of Athletics Darrius Brooks, Ph.D., emphasized the stability Dr. Onwuchekwa brings to a program that has seen four coaches in the last three seasons.
“Dr. Onwuchekwa provided a supportive and calming presence to the team in a difficult time period,” Dr. Brooks said. “I think that helped our players play their best the remainder of the season. She wants to strengthen the program, and we are confident she can provide long-term leadership.”
Dr. Onwuchekwa aims to return the Lady Wildcats to annual contention for HBCUAC and NAIA championships. The program has a history of success, notably winning the Red River Athletic Conference championship in 2008 and 2018. With the majority of the current roster expected to return, Dr. Onwuchekwa is actively focused on recruiting to strengthen the team.
“Wiley University is a place where I can combine my educational background, my coaching passion, and my lived experience to inspire, lead, and empower student-athletes to rise into the leaders they are meant to become,” she concluded.
For more coverage on the Lady Wildcats visit https://wileyathletics.com/sports/wvball/index. For more information about Wiley University athletics, please contact Andrew Glover, Sports Information Director, at adglover@wileyc.edu or 903-927-3399. For more information about Wiley University, please contact Catherine G. Sellers, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, at csellers@wileyc.edu or 903-927-3386.
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About Wiley University:
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal arts institution related to the United Methodist Church. The university is dedicated to fostering social good and developing leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
About Wiley University Athletics
Wiley University sponsors 13 varsity sports, women's volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track and field, men's and women's outdoor track and field, softball and baseball. It competes in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC).
