Big changes have been occurring in the Oregon Ducks and one of the most significant ones happened in January. On January 21, Matt Ulmer officially stepped into his new role as Kansas University’s seventh head volleyball coach, closing the chapter on his eight-year journey with the Ducks. During his tenure, the Oregon team was able to participate in seven consecutive NCAA tournaments and showed everyone that they were a team to contend with.

And while the Ducks were trying to digest the news about Ulmer, the terms of the contract he signed with the team came out, according to which he would receive $362,500 in the first year of the deal and $405,000 in the last two years of his contract. Oh, and Kansas? They also agreed to pay for up to $ 50,000 of the buyout that he owed to Oregon. With Ulmer’s departure, Oregon found itself in need of a new leader. But no need to hit the panic button—enter the former SJSU coach, ready to take the reins and keep the Oregon Ducks flying high!

Lincoln Arneal took to X on February 3 to break some big news for Ducks fans, and let’s just say, Oregon is gearing up for a fresh chapter!

He shared, “Oregon names Trent Kersten as its new head coach. He was previously the head coach at Loyola Marymount and San Jose State. Kersten went 45-12 with the Lions over the past two seasons and made the second round of the NCAA tournament last year.” With a resume like that, Oregon just scored big.

The Oregon Ducks’ current head coach, Trent Kersten, had left San Jose State in January 2023 after making history! His team had just ended what was arguably their best season in the Mountain West with a second-place finish and a 14-4 overall record and a trip to the championship game for the first time.

Moving to September, Kersten was at the helm of LMU. But you have my word, as far as Oregon is concerned, this is only the tip of the iceberg — a recent development in what has been a flurry of changes for the Ducks!

Oregon Ducks’ big blow in the roster!

Before the Oregon Ducks even got over the shock of Matt Ulmer’s exit, they took a hit—that time, from the transfer portal. Their star outside hitter Mimi Colyer said her goodbyes and made her way to Wisconsin Volleyball, one of the best teams in the country. The Badgers were in search of offense after losing many players to graduation, especially Sarah Franklin, and this is where Colyer came in.

The Ducks’ offense powerhouse contributed 457 kills, 90 blocks, and 39 aces in 2024, which will be so valuable for Wisconsin in the 2025 season. But wait—there’s more. Just when it appeared that the Ducks had stabilized, another talent flew the coop following Ulmer’s exit. This time, it was Sophie Gregoire, an outside hitter with great potential. After sitting out her first year, Gregoire was eager to make her impact elsewhere, and Pitt did not hesitate to recruit her.

The Panthers excitedly shared her on social media wearing gear for the volleyball team of the University of Pittsburgh. Thus, it is no wonder that with a superb high school record and three years of college eligibility in front of her, she will surely make some waves. But now, the Oregon Ducks have suffered in the past and it is time to move forward with a new head coach on board.