Erika Dillard - Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator - Women's Volleyball Coaches

Erika Dillard

Title:
Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator

Entering her first season with the Kansas Jayhawks, Dillard was named Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, working directly with the program’s back-row unit. She arrives in Lawrence to guide a Kansas defense that was one of the most efficient in the Big 12 during the 2025 season, with KU averaging 14.53 digs per set, edging its opponents' mark of 14.34. The Jayhawks also posted a .934 reception percentage, led by primary passers Ryan White (.947), Grace Nelson (.954) and Selena Leban (.957). Their consistency in serve receive and first contact helped Kansas limit opponents to a .169 hitting percentage throughout the year.

Dillard is coming off her seventh season with the Oregon volleyball program, including two years as associate head coach. She joined the Ducks’ staff on January 12, 2018, bringing with her a reputation for developing elite defensive systems, disciplined floor play and efficient production through the middle of the court.

During her tenure in Eugene, Dillard helped guide Oregon to six NCAA Tournament appearances and four second-place Pac-12 finishes (2018, 2020, 2022, 2023). The Ducks advanced to the Elite Eight in 2018, 2022 and 2023, and added Sweet 16 runs in both the 2021 spring season and the 2024 campaign. Her impact was evident in Oregon’s defensive structure, blocking efficiency and the consistency of its postseason success.

Working closely with Oregon’s middles, Dillard coached three consecutive players to hit .400 or better: Karson Bacon in 2021 (.413), Kiari Robey in 2022 (.436) and Kara McGhee in 2023 (.415). McGhee’s mark ranked second in the Pac-12, 11th nationally and second in Oregon program history. Dillard also helped lead a blocking unit that averaged 2.71 blocks per set, which led the Pac-12 and ranked 12th nationally, while holding opponents to a .157 hitting percentage. Bacon (1.31 blocks per set) and McGhee (1.24 blocks per set) were both among the top individual blockers in the league under her development.

An AVCA “30 Under 30” honoree in 2014, Dillard previously spent eight seasons on staff at Long Beach State from 2009 to 2016, where she worked with both indoor and beach volleyball. In 2013, she helped guide the 49ers to the beach national championship, further establishing herself as a versatile and highly technical coach with experience across multiple disciplines of the sport.

A former standout at Long Beach State, Dillard graduated in 2005 before earning her MBA from the University of La Verne in 2008. She and her husband, Jason, have three children: Reagan, Caden and Bryson.

Coaching Experience (18 College Seasons)