ODESSA, Texas (March 26, 2026) – UT Permian Basin volleyball has a new head coach at the helm as Melissa Avila is set to take over the program, which was announced on Friday, March 27, by Vice President for Athletics Scott Larson.

Avila joins the program after spending the 2025 season at fellow Lone Star Conference member institution Cameron University as the Aggies' Head Volleyball Coach.

Before Cameron, Avila served as the head coach at Western Texas College for six seasons. Avila took over the Western Texas program in the summer of 2019. In the 2023 season, she led the Westerners to an 18-win season and a fourth-place finish in the NJCAA Region V Tournament. Avila also served as the assistant coach at Western Texas for two seasons and Hastings College for two seasons where she was part of the 2016 National Championship team. In addition to coaching at Western Texas, Avila was the head volleyball coach of the 17U Texas 432 Club Volleyball team from 2021-2024.

Larson said, "Melissa's experience in the Lone Star Conference and West Texas along with her volleyball acumen make her an ideal fit at UTPB. We are excited to bring her on board."

Avila spoke on her new opportunity, "I want to sincerely thank Scott Larson and Sarah Ramey for the opportunity to lead the UTPB volleyball program as the next head coach. It is clear that the department is moving in an incredibly positive direction, with a strong vision and commitment to excellence that I am honored to be part of. I am excited to build on that momentum and help elevate this program to new heights – competing at a high level while developing outstanding student-athletes. I am truly grateful for the trust they have placed in me and cannot wait to get started."

Raised in Gilroy, California, Avila attended Gilroy High School where she played volleyball year-round. She was a three-time First-Team All Tri-County Athletic League member. Upon graduation, Avila attended Gavilan Community College where she was a two-year starter. During her time at Gavilan, she was two-time First-Team All-Coast Conference. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in general business.

After graduation, Avila continued her education and playing career at Dickinson State University where she was a two-year starter and team MVP. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science and a minor in business and coaching. After her senior season, Avila stayed on as an assistant student coach.

Avila then continued her education at Hastings College in Nebraska, where she was a Graduate Assistant for two seasons while completing her master's degree. During her two seasons as a graduate assistant, the team made the postseason both years and won the 2016 NAIA National Championship, the first in program history. She had the privilege of coaching three All-Americans, the 2016 National Tournament MVP, and the 2016 National Libero of the Year. She earned her Master of Arts degree in secondary physical education and coaching.