Little Rock, Ark. (January 05, 2024) – Philander Smith University (PSU) proudly welcomes Mariah Yarbrough back to her alma mater as Head Volleyball Coach after leading the volleyball program at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Oklahoma.
Hailing from Pueblo, Colorado, Coach Yarbrough began her post-high school career at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado, where her team reached the 2014 Region IX Semi-Finals Match, showcasing her early talent and dedication to the sport. Subsequently, she continued her volleyball journey at Philander Smith University, where she distinguished herself as a team captain during her senior season.
During her previous tenure at PSU, she spearheaded the transformation of the volleyball team from a six-win squad in her debut season to an impressive 17-win powerhouse in 2019. This achievement marked the institution’s first winning season in a decade, solidifying Coach Yarbrough as a trailblazer for the program.
Her commitment to academic excellence is evident in her educational journey. She earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Otero Junior College before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English from PSU. In 2022, she furthered her educational pursuits by attaining a Master of Education in Sports Administration from East Central University.
Coach Yarbrough expressed her excitement and dedication to the institution by saying, “I’m excited to return to my roots! I’ve been a part of this program’s history as a player and coach. Now, I’m back to ensure PSU Volleyball remains a competitive program.”
Philander Smith University is honored to have Coach Mariah Yarbrough back within its ranks, where her expertise, leadership, and passion for the game will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the volleyball program.
