Chickasha, Okla. – On Wednesday, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma announced the hiring of Robert Blakley as the new head coach of the women’s volleyball team. Blakley comes to USAO after being an assistant coach at UT Permian Basin (NCAA DII).
In 2023, the Drover volleyball team made their second consecutive postseason appearance with an overall record of 10-19, and a 6-14 record against their Sooner Athletic Conference foes. USAO made its first appearance in the SAC Tournament in 2022, with a 9-17 overall record, and a season prior to that they set a program record of 14 wins.
In 2023, Blakley helped lead UT Permian Basin to an impressive 17-10 overall record and a respectable 8-8 record against the always-tough Lonestar Conference. Additionally, the Falcons had an All-LSC selection, along with nine additions to the program record book, including four program records.
Blakley spent the previous three years (2020-22) as the head coach of Vernon College (Texas) at the NJCAA level. He guided the Chaps to postseason appearances in all three seasons, in addition to six all-conference and two All-Region first-team selections. Blakley helped in the development of Danika Washington who was the Region V Offensive Player of the Year and was selected to the NJCAA All-American second team. The Chaps would see 13 of his players move on to the NCAA and NAIA levels.
He also brings in 18 years of experience in club and high school volleyball. He had over 400 wins in high school and in 2016 led Weimar to the Class 2A State Semi-Finals in two sports. He was also able to lead The Midland Lee (Legacy) Volleyball team to its most successful season in school history. From that team alone, he sent one DIII, one DI and two to the Lonestar (one to win a National Championship and one to become an All-Conference player at UTPB, and now is playing overseas).
When announcing the hiring, USAO Athletic Director Mike Ross said," We were extremely fortunate to find someone like coach Blakley. His experience, values, and philosophy are exactly what we were looking in a head coach. This hire has put our volleyball program in a great position to be successful. Not only immediately, but for the future as well. "
When asked about taking the helm, Coach Blakley said,” I’m very grateful and excited about coming to USAO. The athletic programs have all been competing on a very high level and that speaks volumes about the university as a whole.” Blakely continued,” I feel we can take the foundation of the existing team and build something special for this upcoming season.”
One area of significance to Blakley is growing the community around Drover Volleyball. “I have always felt any sports competition should be an event, with special emphasis on the teams playing. We want the local schools and community to become part of this journey and I look forward to bridging those connections. I’d like to thank Mike Ross, Staff and the University for giving me this opportunity and can’t wait to kick practices off this coming Monday.”