PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State women's volleyball head coach Korey Schroeder announced the hiring of assistant coach Jason Ruppelt Wednesday, the first addition to Schroeder's staff since he was elevated to head coach last month.

"I am thrilled to join coach Schroeder on staff at Washington State!  Starting right from my first phone call with Korey, it was clear that his passion for volleyball, and his care for people have been major pillars in his career, and both will serve as a framework for his leadership of the program going forward," said Ruppelt.

Ruppelt makes the move the Pullman after spending the previous nine seasons at Northern Kentucky, including the last five seasons as associate head coach.  Ruppelt's experience at the Division I level spans 17 seasons from multiple stops around the country dating back to his time as a student assistant at his alma mater, South Dakota State University.  He brings years of experience as a recruiting coordinator, while specializing as a defensive coordinator, responsible for training pin players and serve-receive in his previous role as associate head coach at NKU.

"I coached against Jason for many years, and I'm excited to now have the opportunity to coach alongside him," said Schroeder.  "Jason was instrumental in putting together some great recruiting classes at Northern Kentucky. Even more importantly, he did a tremendous job developing student-athletes into the best versions of themselves as both people and players. He connects well with others and understands the impact he can make as a coach and mentor. I cannot wait for Jason to join us in Pullman."

"I really want to thank my former Head Coach, Liz Hart for an incredible nine year run at Northern Kentucky," said Ruppelt.  "Coach Hart will remain a lifelong mentor, colleague, and friend of mine as I begin this new chapter of my career."

Having been a part of the Norse's women's volleyball program for nearly a decade, Ruppelt was a part of149 wins with six-consecutive winning seasons (2018-23).  Ruppelt's time at NKU included trips to the Horizon League Semifinals or better every season he was with the Norse.  Those postseason runs consisted of trips to the finals in four of the last six seasons highlighted by a 2019 Horizon League Tournament Championship and a ticket into the 2019 NCAA Tournament.  Ruppelt was responsible for recruiting numerous all-conference performers which includes the program's all-time leader in block assists, Abby Kanakry, and two student-athletes, Ashton Terrill and Anna Burke, who are in the top-five in career digs at NKU.  Ruppelt's recruiting class received High Honorable Mention honors from PrepVolleyball.com in 2017 and had an incoming 2018 class ranked in the top-55 of the nation.  The Norse also held a PrepVolleyball.com honorable mention recruiting class under Ruppelt in 2020.

"Cougar Volleyball is a nationally recognized program with incredible tradition!  It is an honor to get to work at WSU, and I cannot wait to bring my knowledge and expertise to Pullman. I am excited to expand my network to include the Pacific Northwest as we look to compete immediately in a highly competitive West Coast Conference," said Ruppelt.

Prior to NKU, Ruppelt spent eight years on the sidelines at the Division I level which included stints at the University of Louisville and South Dakota State.  While coaching at Louisville, Ruppelt also spent time as a club coach for the Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy where he led two separate club teams, oversaw KIVA Showcases evaluating multiple age divisions and ability levels, and hosted specialized training for high school and junior elite club teams camps along with individual skills lessons.

A native of Springfield, S.D., Ruppelt also earned his Masters of Education from South Dakota State University, finishing his master's program in 2016.  He makes the move the Palouse with partner Luis and golden retriever, Sadie.

"Thank you to [WSU Director of Athletics] Pat Chun, [Deputy Director of Athletics/SWA] Anne McCoy, and Korey Schroeder for this opportunity," said Ruppelt.  I am excited to get to work!".