Grace University proudly announces the appointment of Olivia Poyer as the inaugural Head Women’s Beach Volleyball Coach., and a bold statement about the future of its athletic department by bringing in a coach with NCAA Division I playing experience, NCAA Division I coaching experience, championship pedigree, and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the sand.

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“Women’s Beach Volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and we knew from the beginning that we needed a transformational leader to launch our program. Olivia brings elite-level playing experience, Division I coaching experience, and a genuine passion for developing young women. She represents everything we want Grace University Athletics to become. This hire instantly elevates our program and sends a message that we are serious about competing at a high level from day one.” -said Les Bean, Director of Athletics.

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Poyer arrives at Grace University following her time with Missouri State University, where she served as an assistant coach for the NCAA Division I beach volleyball program.

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Prior to beginning her coaching career, she established herself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Missouri State Beach Volleyball history.

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During the 2024 season, Poyer competed in all 33 matches while posting an outstanding 25-7 overall record, helping lead the Bears through one of the most successful campaigns in program history.

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Competing primarily at Flight No. 3, she opened the season with a remarkable 10-match winning streak—the longest in program history at that position—and earned victories against top-level competition throughout the year. Her performance culminated in earning the prestigious AVCA Top Flight Award, one of the highest individual honors in collegiate beach volleyball.

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Beyond her success on the sand, Poyer was a consistent academic standout and multiple-time member of the Missouri State Athletics Director’s Honor Roll, embodying the balance of academic achievement and athletic excellence that Grace University values deeply.

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Before her time at Missouri State, Poyer spent four successful seasons competing in indoor volleyball at the University of Saint Katherine in Southern California.​ Over 90 collegiate matches, she established herself as a reliable libero and defensive specialist while helping lead the Firebirds to a California Pacific Conference Beach Volleyball Championship in 2021.

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Her collegiate journey ultimately led her to NCAA Division I competition, where she continued to excel against some of the nation’s best players before transitioning into coaching.

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A native of Long Beach, California, Poyer’s story is one built upon perseverance, dedication, and opportunity.

As a first-generation college graduate from an immigrant family, she understands firsthand the life-changing impact athletics and higher education can have on young people pursuing their dreams.

 

​“Beach volleyball has opened doors in my life that I never imagined possible,” said Poyer. “The opportunity to build a program from the beginning is incredibly special. I am honored to join Grace University and excited to help create an environment where student-athletes can grow as competitors, leaders, and individuals. Together, we’re going to build a culture that emphasizes excellence, accountability, faith, and opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”

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​As Grace University Athletics continues its historic inaugural expansion, the hiring of Olivia Poyer serves as another defining moment in the department’s rapid rise.

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• A former NCAA Division I student-athlete.

• A former NCAA Division I coach.

• A proven competitor.

• A proven leader.

• And now, the architect of Grace University’s future in Women’s Beach Volleyball.

• The sands are set.

• The foundation is in place.

 

​ABOUT OLIVIA POYER

• Inaugural Head Women’s Beach Volleyball Coach – Grace University

• NCAA Division I Assistant Coach – Missouri State University

• NCAA Division I Beach Volleyball Student-Athlete – Missouri State University

• AVCA Top Flight Award Recipient (2024)

• Multiple-Time Missouri State Athletics Director’s Honor Roll Selection

• Four-Year Collegiate Indoor Volleyball Student-Athlete – University of Saint Katherine

• California Pacific Conference Beach Volleyball Champion

• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

• Master of Public Health