After nearly eight years of dominance, coach Matt Ulmer, an architect of the Oregon Ducks women’s volleyball team, was moving on. His next destination is the Kansas Jayhawks. With his eight years in the Ducks pit, he led the Ducks to achieve their program record for conference wins in a season. 

During that postseason tournament in 2022, the Ducks ended up in seventh position in the Elite Eight. In that nail-biting match, the Duck locked their horns against Louisville in a five-set match. That streak continues under head coach Matt Ulmer in 2023. Before 2017, Ulmer was an assistant coach for the Oregon Ducks while the head coach, Jim Moor, was steering the Ducks’ performance. But as he rose up to the rank after Moor’s departure, Ulmer handed the Oregon Ducks their best games during his eight-season tenure. But now Matt Ulmer is leaving Oregon and heading to his new Jayhawk Ranch. 

Matt Ulmer is leaving the UO after a successful tenure

On Friday, as Matt Ulmer’s parting with the Oregon Ducks and joining Kansas University news surfaced, many found it difficult to gulp it down. Many are surprised, and others are welcoming him. KU’s director of athletes, Traviss Goff, said, “Matt stood alone due to his elite track record, impeccable reputation, devotion to developing student-athletes, and his vision for an even brighter future for Kansas volleyball. We are confident he will carry on the tradition that Ray Bechard established in his 27 seasons as our passionate leader,” while announcing the news. With KU, Matt Ulmer signed a six-year contract, which will go through the 2030 season. But for the Oregon Ducks, it was pretty devastating. 

As this news reached the University of Oregon, another blow hit the Ducks. Sharing the news of student-athlete transfers, Lincoln Arneal wrote on X, “Two-time All-American Mimi Colyer has committed to Wisconsin. The 6-foot-3 outside hitter averaged 3.97 kills and 2.19 per set for Oregon last season. She was the 2022 National Freshman of the Year and has one season of eligibility left.” Some speculate that this is because Ulmer’s goodbye to Oregon will cost heavily for the Ducks. 

Back in 2023, Matt Ulmer helped the Ducks snag their best scenario. The Oregon Ducks ended their season with a record-high 29-6, and they are ranked in the top 10 across the country. It was an incredible moment for the Ducks and volleyball spectators. But Matt Ulmer’s departure from UO shocked many in the volleyball community.

Ulmer’s departure left the volleyball fans surprised

Many jumped on the X to share their thoughts as Matt Ulmer bid farewell to the Ducks. One of them is sports journalist Knight Jerecki. He was amazed by the news. On his X handle, sharing the news, he wrote, “Didn’t see this coming! Matt was one of the best people I worked with at Oregon and I’m sad to see him leave. Phenomenal coach and an even better person. Tough loss for UO.”

Indeed, it was a loss for the UO volleyball team. Ulmer’s guidance led the UO Ducks to many accomplishments. Under his tutelage, the Oregon Ducks got three times AVCA All-America (team) honors in a single season. It’s better to remember that the UO grabbed such accolades four times overall. 

Another sports enthusiast exclaimed, “Oh. Surprised to see Matt Ulmer leaving Oregon, but a great get for Kansas.” Like this, many seem unaware of Matt Ulmer’s departure before it came on the ground. Undoubtedly, his legacy has a solid mark on OU’s volleyball history. Also, Matt Ulmer is the youngest coach in volleyball history who steered Long Beach State to the beach volleyball title in 2023. A great addition to KU.

To others, this is a stepping-up for coach Matt Ulmer. One user wrote, “What makes this hire most impressive is that Ulmer has been the head coach at Oregon the last 8 seasons, Big 10/Nike-funded, and Kansas is a step up. Ducks finish 24-8 and 14-6 in conference play, with a trip to the Sweet 16.” It was a stunning stat for the OU. They performed that well. In the last season, the Oregon Ducks won at least 22 games in four seasons. 

That made UO a powerhouse in the last season. Matt Ulmer surprised many with his decision to enter the KU. Owing to that, one fan wrote, “Oregon losing one of its most successful coaches to the Big 12.” Leading Oregon Ducks from 11 to seven—yes! A significant loss for UO. 

From the Jayhawks’ perspective, they are gaining a super coach for the following years. Stating that fact, the volleyball Jayhawks applaud on their X handle, saying, “This is a big hire! Oregon has been a top volleyball program over the last decade, and he brings in a lot of postseason experience.” And this will be a great 2025 season for all the Jayhawks volleyball fans to see some marvelous games under Matt Ulmer’s guidance. 

With a successful run of his NCAA tournament, Matt Ulmer can lead the Jayhawks to a new height. Let’s see if his new team can meet the hype in this year’s season, specifically the 2030 season. Fingers crossed for the Jayhawks to see them clinching the NCAA title.