ROCHESTER, Mich. – On Wednesday, Oakland University Athletic Director Steve Waterfield announced the hiring of Krista Rice as the Golden Grizzlies next Head Volleyball Coach effective March 16. 

"I am happy to welcome Krista, Bruce, and their sons Lennox and Spencer to the Golden Grizzlies athletics family," said Waterfield, "Throughout the search process, I was very impressed with Krista's championship vision for OU Volleyball,  her coaching philosophy, and her emphasis on creating sustained excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in life."

Rice joins the OU family after six seasons with Central Michigan University, the last five coming as Associate Head Coach. Rice's primary responsibilities included recruitment of prospective student-athletes, scouting and analysis of opponents, formulating a competitive schedule, and a plethora of other roles prior to coming to OU. Rice was on the 2019 staff when CMU received a bid into the National Invitational Volleyball Championship with a date against the University of South Dakota. In 2017-18, Rice was selected by the NCAA in its Leadership Development Minority Coaches Forum. 

"I am excited and thankful for this opportunity to lead the Oakland University volleyball program.  Thank you to Athletics Director, Steve Waterfield, and the entire search committee for entrusting me with the young women on this team.  It was clear during my interview process, that the people at Oakland genuinely care about the campus, community, and development of the student-athletes, which resonated with me," said Rice.

Prior to her time at CMU, Rice was an assistant coach at the University of Toledo as the team's recruiting coordinator, working directly with the Rockets' defense plus blocker and middle training. Rice worked as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at Michigan State from 2012-2014 during the Spartans' two Round of 16 runs in the NCAA Tournament in 2012 and 2013. 

"With her significant experiences and successes as a Division I volleyball player and coach, and her strong recruiting connections in Michigan and throughout the region, I am confident Krista will lead the program towards championship successes," said Waterfield. 

Rice's collegiate experience dates back to her playing days at Kent State University as a four year starter and letter winner as a middle blocker as she started her coaching career with the Golden Flashes' team and individual camps. 

"I am eager to get to work with this team, and look forward to building upon a championship culture that already exists within the OU athletics department, while developing a great experience both on and off the court," said Rice.

A graduate of Kent State, Rice received her Master's Degree from Central Michigan in 2020.