The BYU women's volleyball program is going to look dramatically different at the start of next season.
In a week where the Cougars' only first team All-Big 12 members Alex Bower and Suli Davis announced they were entering the transfer portal, longtime head coach Heather Olmstead has also announced that she will move away from the program.
Olmstead and BYU athletics released a statement on Thursday morning regarding her decision to step down.
“Coaching at BYU has been an incredible chapter — one filled with championships, NCAA tournament runs and record-setting seasons,” Olmstead said. “But the true highlight has always been the people. I’m grateful for every athlete who let me be part of her journey and for the chance to help shape strong leaders, teammates and women who go on to make a difference long after their playing days. As I move into this next chapter, I do so with deep gratitude for the BYU community, for the players who trusted me with their development and for the staff who stood beside me through every challenge. I wish this program continued success, and I'm excited for what's next.”
In the same press release, it was revealed that Olmstead will now be looking to "pursue new professional avenues."
Olmstead began her Cougar coaching tenure in 2015, and quickly became one of the best coaches in the sport.
She is the fastest coach to reach 200 wins, doing so in only 225 matches, and was named the AVCA coach of the year in 2018.
During that 2018 season, Olmstead led the Cougars to the national semifinals.
In 2025, BYU lost to Cal Poly in the first round of the NCAA tournament — a disappointing finish when compared to previous years under Olmstead.
The Cougars have named associate head coach David Hyte the interim head coach, and will begin a national search to find Olmstead's replacement.