Tia Brandel-Wilhelm and the Ferris State University women’s volleyball program are inseparable as she enters her 30th season as head coach in 2025. Taking stewardship of the program as its fifth head coach in 1996, she has continued the Bulldogs’ success, leading them to 18 NCAA Division II National Tournament appearances, including 16 of the last 19 seasons. Brandel-Wilhelm’s leadership has seen Ferris State capture multiple GLIAC championships and GLIAC Tournament championships. Under her guidance, the team has achieved consistent success, including consecutive league titles, NCAA Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight finishes, and two seasons ranked number one in the nation. She reached her 700th career victory in 2021 and became the program’s all-time winningest coach in 2011. Throughout her career, Brandel-Wilhelm has been recognized for her coaching prowess, including multiple GLIAC and Midwest Region Coach of the Year honors, as well as AVCA National Coach of the Year in 2024. Before joining FSU, she had a highly successful tenure at West Virginia Wesleyan College, earning multiple coaching accolades. A former student-athlete at Alma College, she holds a master’s in business administration and previously served as Senior Women’s Administrator at Ferris State.
Celebrating Excellence, Culture, and the Future of the Game.
