His appointment marks a return to the Golden State for Connors, an Apple Valley native, who also spent three years as an assistant coach with the Cal State Northridge men's volleyball team from 2003-06.
"I feel humbled and honored to have been given an opportunity to work with the young women of the Aggie volleyball program," said Conners. "I'd like to thank [Director of Athletics] Terry Tumey, [Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director] Nona Richardson and the rest of the Aggie administration for the privilege of leading the women's volleyball program with a vision of excelling in the classroom and on the court, in an effort to compete for the Big West Championship."
Conners has served on the staffs at three elite women's programs during the past eight seasons: Illinois, Nebraska and UCLA. In 2013, his second season with the Illini, he helped the program to an 18-15 season and a berth in the NCAA tournament. Illinois posted 10 victories against AVCA Top 25 programs that year. He also gained experience with the Northridge men's team where he worked in all aspects of the Matadors' program.
Before arriving in Champaign, Conners had a one-year stint as a recruiting coordinator and defensive coordinator for former AVCA Coach of the Year John Cook at Nebraska. His team led the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage, capturing the conference title in its first season as a member.
Conners previously served five seasons under head coaches Andy Banachowski and Mike Sealy at his alma mater from 2006-10. During that time, the Bruins posted a combined 124-44 record and made two trips to the Elite Eight tournament. Conners' recruiting at UCLA resulted in a national title in 2011. The Bruins led the Pac-10 Conference in blocks three times and held opponents to a .187 clip or lower every year.
