After leading Eastern Kentucky’s volleyball program to new heights this past season, the Colonels have locked up coach Johnna Bazzani for the long haul.
EKU vice president and athletic director Matt Roan announced Wednesday that the school has extended Bazzani’s contract through the 2026 campaign. The new deal comes on the heels of Bazzani’s selections as Atlantic Sun Conference Coach of the Year and the Colonels’ history-making 2023 season.
“We set a ton of program records this year and claimed some hardware thanks to Coach Bazzani’s leadership,” Roan said. “I’m thrilled we can keep this momentum going and that she’ll be prowling the sidelines for years to come as we vie for more championships.”
In her fifth year at the helm, Bazzani guided EKU (21-8) to its most wins since 2005 along with a 13-match win streak – tied for the longest ever. After four years of rebuilding, the Colonels finally broke through this fall. Their third-place ASUN finish was their highest since 2014, and their first national postseason berth since 2004 ended in the NIVC quarterfinals.
The Colonels also made history by recording seven straight sweeps during a hot midseason stretch, establishing a new program benchmark.
“I’m grateful that President Dr. David McFaddin and our administration continue to believe in my vision for where we’re taking this program,” Bazzani said. “Richmond has become home and I can’t wait to add to the legacy we built with this special 2023 team.”
In addition to the team milestones, Bazzani also mentored four all-conference selections this season headlined by hitter Carson Ledford and setter Sarah Mitchell – who each earned Player of the Week honors twice.
While it took a few years to get rolling, Bazzani’s rebuild has clearly paid dividends. After 11 combined wins her first two seasons, the Colonels have rattled off 36 over the last two years and should keep climbing with their ace leader now under contract for three more years.
